IAN Humphreys kicked a late penalty to earn London Irish their first Premiership win of the season at Worcester on Saturday.

The Exiles, who play their home games at the Madejski Stadium, were losing 18-17 with four minutes to go but when Ed Shervington was penalised, Humphreys stepped up to convert from out wide and win the game.

Humphreys and Worcester's Ignacio Mieres exchanged early penalties before Worcester scored the opening try through David Lemi.

A great try from Marland Yarde levelled the game at half-time and the winger scored again soon after the restart, with Humphreys' conversion putting the visitors 17-10 ahead.

Mieres reduced the deficit with a penalty before going over for an unconverted try to put his side ahead with 10 minutes left. Humphreys put Irish back in the lead but they needed a brave tackle from the excellent Yarde to stop Worcester's Semisi Taulava scoring late on.

Irish coach Brian Smith paid tribute to Yarde's contribution after the match.

“Marland Yarde's finishing was lethal and he is as good as there is in the game,” the coach said. “He was finding his feet last season but now he's the real deal.”