London Irish A and Wasps A play out a thriller in Henley

London Irish A staged a brilliant comeback in the Aviva A League last night but eventually went down 40 -36 against Wasps A at Henley RFC last night. 

The Exiles side, made up of a mixture of first team squad players and senior Academy players, fought back from 28-7 down at half time to almost snatch victory at the death. 

Guy Armitage crossed for a hat trick of tries to add to the efforts of second row Toby Salmon, Richard Palframan and Ross Neal.

Wasps went into an early lead thanks to two penalty goals from out half Alex Lozowski and a try after 25 minutes from scrum half Tom Bliss. Jonah Holmes streaked clear for Wasps second score in as many minutes to make it 18-0 after 27 minutes.

Toby Salmon bundled his way over for the first Irish try which Myles Dorrian converted after half an hour, however there was still time for Wasps to score two further tries through Josh Bassett and Thomas Young before half time to leave London Irish a mountain to climb. 

Half time replacement Richard Palframan scored 40 seconds after the restart which was quickly converted by Dorrian to cut the deficit to 14 points at 28-14. 

The home side responded quickly with a well taken try from lively fullback Piers O'Conor before Guy Armitage scored two tries in eight minutes to give Irish hope. 

At 35-26 Irish added their fifth try after great work from Theo-Brophy-Clews created the overlap and a simple run in for Ross Neal. 

Piers O'Conor ran in for his second and Wasps sixth try with eight minutes remaining, the Exiles defensive line exploited once again by the full back. 

Armitage added a third score with three minutes remaining to make the final score Wasps 40 London Irish 36. 

Irish A play Saracens A at Hazelwood next Monday 22nd September. 

London Irish A

15. Cameron Cowell; 14. Ross Neal; 13. Guy Armitage; 12. Eoin Griffin; 11. Tom Fowlie; 10. Myles Dorrian (Captain); 9. Darren Allinson; 1. Jamie Hagan; 2. Mike Mayhew; 3. Leo Halavatau; 4. Toby Salmon; 5. Theo Vukasinovic; 6. Ollie Curry; 7. Jimmy Stevens; 8. Anders Nillson

Replacements: 16. Ollie Adams; 17. Tom Smallbone; 18. Richard Palframan; 19. Charlie Stonehill; 20. Harry Watts; 21. Connor Murphy; 22. Theo Brophy-Clews; 23. Matt Noble