LONDON Irish were narrowly beaten 22-17 at Harlequins in the first leg of their Cunningham Duncombe Series.

The Exiles have everything to play for in the return leg at the Madejski Stadium on Friday (8pm).

Home side Harlequins started the better in the first encounter as James Horwill went over for a try in the sixth minute and Ben Botica added the extras.

The Exiles’ Luke Narraway with an unconverted try got them back in the game, before Botica scored and converted his own try for 14-5 lead.

Once again the visitors replied as Alex Lewington out wide went over, but by half-time Botica had slotted over a penalty for a 17-10 advantage.

After, the interval Charlie Walker extended the lead with another five points.

Just before the hour mark, the Exiles hit back as Lewington scored and Theo Brophy Clews kicked over the extras to complete the 22-17 scoreline.