LONDON Irish opened their European Challenge Cup campaign with a 48-10 victory over visiting French side Agen at the Madejski Stadium.

It was the visitors who opened the scoring as Francois Bouvier kicked a penalty in the fourth minute, but the Exiles hit back with a try from academy player Johnny Williams on his senior debut.

The home side then took control of the game as they built up a 24-3 lead at half-time thanks to a brace of tries from Gerald Ellis and one from Joe Trayfoot.

After the break, the Exiles continued to dominate as Alex Lewington and Rob McCusker went over.

Sean Maitland added another score on the hour, before Felicien Vergnon went over for Agen’s only try of the game which Clement Darbo converted.

It was left to Lewington with his second try of the game to complete the scoreline which also saw Chris Noakes kick four conversions.

Irish will hope to make it a French double next weekend, when they travel to FC Grenoble in the same competition.