LONDON Irish’s chances of making the last eight of the European Challenge Cup look slim, after they lost in France 28-18 to group leaders Grenoble.

The Exiles, who made 11 changes to the side which beat Newcastle the week before, took an early lead as Shane Geraghty kicked a penalty.

However, tries from Armand Batlle and Nigel Hunt helped Grenoble build a 21-6 advantage by the break.

A Charl McLeod second-half score and 13 points from Jonathan Wisniewski's boot sealed the victory, before Dom Waldouck and Alex Lewington scored consolation tries for Irish.

The loss leaves the Exiles, five points behind second placed Edinburgh ahead of next weekend's final game again in France at Agen.