Bristol Lose Again!

Bristol Rugby have succumbed to their fifth defeat in a row against the “Exiles,” London Irish.

The victory for puts the Madejski Stadium side on top of the Guinness Premier League.

The Exiles dominated the opening period and led 11-0 by the half time interval.  Peter Hewat kicked two penalties and winger Sailosi Tagicakibau scored in the 27th minute.

Bristol hit back in the second half and surprisingly went 13-11 ahead with a Luke Eves try and eight points from fly half Ed Barnes's boot.

However, Shane Geraghty had the last word to give Irish their fifth straight league win.

Bristol gave scrum half, Shaun Perry, his first start since he returned from a long term injury but he could not inspire his side to their second Premiership victory of the season.

The result leaves Richard Hill's men stuck to the bottom of the table, three points adrift of Newcastle Falcons.

The first half was a dour affair with both sides making handling mistakes and the boot dominating.

Bristol lacked ideas in the first half but they got on the scoreboard within two minutes of the second half, Barnes landing a 40m penalty.

They reduced the deficit to just one point when Barnes got the ball in midfield, cross kicked for Robinson to tussle with Ojo before full back Luke Arscott took possession and fed centre Eves.

The home side took the lead for the first time with Barnes's second penalty on 65 minutes but just two minutes later, his pass was intercepted by Geraghty and the England prospect had the easy task of running in from halfway.

Bristol had a chance to claim victory when they were awarded a penalty with just five minutes left but after going for a line-out rather than a pop at goal, they were penalised at the throw-in.