LONDON Irish missed out on a match-winning try in the final minute as they lost 20-15 to the visiting Leicester Tigers in the Premiership on Sunday afternoon.
The Exiles got off to an excellent start as James O’Connor kicked a penalty inside the opening minute. The Tigers replied with a try from Ben Youngs but Owen Williams was unable to convert.
The home side restored the lead thanks to the boot of O’Connor and a third penalty made it 9-5.
However, by half-time the Tigers led by a single point after Logovi'i Mulipola went over for a try.
Leicester extended their lead after the break, as Vereniki Goneva scored the visitors' third try, which Williams converted for a 17-9 lead.
The Tigers added another penalty from the boot of Williams, before the Exiles’ O’Connor and Ian Humphreys kicked penalties to close the gap to five points.
Nic Rouse looked to have grabbed a last gasp try to win the game, but it was not to be as he was denied by the video referee.
Irish will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they travel to Exeter on Saturday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here