LONDON Irish were unable to hold on to their first half lead, as they lost to Saracens in the first ever Premiership game to be played in America.

The Exiles led 13-7 at the interval, but thanks to Alex Goode who scored 19 points, Saracens won 26-16 to return to the top of the table.

England full-back Goode's first-half try in New Jersey gave Saracens the lead after Greig Tonks' penalty had put Irish ahead.

However, an Alex Lewington try and two more penalties from fly-half Tonks saw the Exiles go in ahead at the break.

After the interval, four Goode penalties and a late Nick Tompkins try made sure of the win as Tonks kicked another penalty for Irish.

The Exiles are next in action on Sunday (3pm), back on British soil, when they entertain Gloucester.