LONDON Irish went down 37-29 away at Harlequins in their final pre-season game ahead of the big Premiership kick-off.

The Exiles travelled to the Stoop for match two of the Cunningham Duncombe Series on Friday trailing by five points after losing the first encounter 22-17.

Irish made a strong start and took the lead early on, Topsy Ojo collecting Chris Noakes' cross-field kick to touch down in the corner.

However, Luke Wallace soon replied for Harlequins, with Chris Evans' conversion giving them a 7-5 lead.

Noakes and Evans then exchanged kicks, with Noakes slotting one penalty and Evans two, before Mat Luamanu crashed over for a converted try to make it 20-8 at the break.

Harlequins took charge early in the second half, with tries from Wallace and Tim Swiel giving them a 32-8 lead.

Irish fought back, with Leo Halavatau crashing over from short range and Alex Lewington going in under the posts to make it 32-22.

Rob Buchanan responded for Quins and while Halavatau grabbed his second try to set up a tense finale, the hosts held on to win 37-29 and claim overall victory by 13 points.

Irish have this weekend off before beginning their Premiership campaign with a home game against Leicester Tigers on October 18.