Spirited Saracens coolly denied London Irish a place in the Zurich Premiership
wild-card play-offs with a 20-14 win at the Madjeski Stadium.
The Exiles had to win and bank on either Sale Sharks or Leicester Tigers
losing to guarantee their passport into the end-of-season play-offs which dangle
the carrot of a place in next term's Heineken Cup for the winner.
But London Irish did not look like play-off material, looking tired and
scrappy after a long season.
Fly-half Mark Mapletoft booted the home side ahead with two penalties but
their lead always looked in danger and soon Saracens' skipper Simon Raiwalui
confirmed this.
The former Fijian captain was driven over the line from a lineout catch and
drive which Saracens deserved after continually pressurising London Irish's
line.
After the restart the visitors took control with Robbie Kydd making a mockery
of the Exiles' defence.
The full-back dipped two tackles before breezing his way through London
Irish's last man on the line to score.
Minutes later Raiwalui then used his heavyweight frame to power over the line
for a brace of tries which fly-half Nicky Little converted before adding a
penalty.
But London Irish clawed their way back into the game just as they did a week
ago against Newcastle when they stole a last-gasp win.
But luck was not on their side this time.
Former Irish international Justin Bishop touched down on the left wing with
ease after 67 minutes and substitute Barry Everitt converted a penalty.
But London Irish's comeback came too late this time to salvage any prize this
season.
Teams:
London Irish: Horak, Sackey, Appleford, Hoadley, Bishop,
Mapletoft, Edwards, Hatley, Drotske, Hardwick, Strudwick,
Kennedy, Gustard, Dawson, Sheasby.
Replacements: Everitt for Appleford (45),
Barrett for Edwards (76), Casey for Kennedy (50),
Danaher for Gustard (56), Murphy for Sheasby (52).
Not Used: Flavin, Wheatley.
Sin Bin: Hoadley (34).
Tries: Bishop.
Pens: Mapletoft 2, Everitt.
Saracens: Kydd, Haughton, Bailey, Sorrell, O'Mahony, Little,
Williams, Sparks, Parkes, Visagie, Raiwalui, Yandell, Chesney,
Hill, Randell.
Replacements: Croall for Sparks (70), Codling for Yandell (60),
B. Russell for Chesney (73).
Not Used: Philpott, Broser, Bracken, Peacey.
Tries: Raiwalui 2, O'Mahony.
Cons: Little.
Pens: Little.
Att: 9,856
Ref: Dave Pearson (England).
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