LONDON Irish remain bottom of the Premiership after a 25-17 defeat at Bath.

The home side dominated the first 40 minutes, as Matt Banahan scored twice and Semesa Rokoduguni went over once, while Wales fly-half Rhys Priestland, back from Six Nations duty, added five points with his boot.

This helped Bath to a 20-9 advantage as Theo Brophy Clews kicked all the Exiles' first-half points, before making way for Greig Tonks to make his Irish debut.

After the interval, Leroy Houston added Bath's bonus-point try.

Irish then made an audacious attempt to claim a losing bonus point, with Tonks slotting a last-minute penalty, before Irish regained possession and Alex Lewington scored a try after the clock had stopped.

Tonks then hit the post with the conversion which left the final score 25-17.

Irish will now head to America for their next game on Saturday against Saracens in New Jersey.