LONDON Irish began their Premiership campaign with a 42-20 defeat at the hands of Saracens in the first part of the season-opening London Double Header at Twickenham on Saturday.

Saracens opened the scoring with an Owen Farrell penalty, while Jamie George bundled over from close to make it 10-0. The Exiles, who play their home games at the Madejski Stadium, pulled three points back through the boot of Ian Humphreys but Saracens were on top, Farrell kicking his second penalty of the day and George sprinting over for his second try.

Irish responded well, Kieran Low scoring straight from the restart, with Humphreys' conversion reducing the deficit to eight points, but another Farrell penalty made it 21-10 at half-time.

Two more Farrell penalties extended the lead beyond two scores and while Humphreys' second penalty of the day reduced the deficit, Mako Vunipola bundled over from close range to seal the game.

Saracens then had Matt Stevens yellow carded and Irish took advantage, Marland Yarde finishing off a flowing move, but Farrell kicked another penalty and Chris Ashton scored at the death to earn his side a four-try bonus point.

London Irish director of rugby, Brian Smith, said: “We are heading in the right direction, I am happy with where we are.

“Our performance was a fair reflection of where we are. Three tries to two was a fair effort from our guys but the score at the end blew the scoreboard out.”