Exiles lead way as London sides thrive
LONDON IRISH capped a magnificent day for teams from the capital with a 12-11 win away to defending LV= Cup champions Cardiff Blues.
Replacement Ryan Lamb kicked a penalty five minutes from time to condemn Cardiff to their first defeat in the competition for eight games and more importantly
earn the Exiles’ their first victory in the competition this season.
Former London Irish scrum-half Richie Rees thought his try had won it until Lamb stole the victory with a 30-metre kick.
Ceri Sweeney missed a golden opportunity in injury time, failing to convert a long-range penalty and gifting the visitors their first win over the Blues in Cardiff.
Elsewhere, Wasps continued their dominant form in the competition with a 21-14 victory over struggling Gloucester.
Wasps were in trouble after Freddie Burns converted two of his own tries to put the visitors 14-3 ahead but hit back when Joe Simpson came off the bench.
Tom Varndell went over before the scrum-half himself scored a try and Dave Walder sealed the win with two penalties.
Afterwards Gloucester head coach Bryan Redpath blasted his players for not following his instructions.
“We are cutting our own throats with poor decisions and mistakes. I can’t fault the desire or the work ethic,” said Redpath.
“But we could help ourselves by sticking to what we set out to do. We try to become too positive when we need to start off a bit negative to create a foundation.”
Rory Clegg starred for Harlequins as they claimed their first win of the competition, beating Newcastle 19-8 at Kingston Park.
Clegg made his former side pay for their indiscipline, kicking 14 points. Sam Smith scored Quins’ only try on the half-hour but with Clegg in prolific form with the boot, the visitors were always in control.
Matthew Tait scored a late consolation but Harlequins held on.