London Irish scored four tries to overcome local rivals Harlequins in a 22-10 win in the u18 Academy League at The Surrey Sports Park today.

The sun was shining in Guildford which encouraged a fast, offloading game from both sides who looked to employ this to their attacking game.

But accuracy was an issue, with players eager to impress and forcing things as a result. One tidy piece of play, where that pass did stick, saw Quins break the deadlock through Stonyhurst flanker Victor Keunen who crashed over from close range.

It didn't take The Exiles long to respond however. Wellington College flanker Isaac Curtis-Harris smashed through two tackles to score with a powerful effort.

Irish then extended their lead after centre Cameron Smith made a devastating before releasing wing Joe Cokanasiga who released his menacing hand off to finish in the corner meaning the visitors led 12-7 at the break.

The scrappy nature of the game continued into the second half, and for a while, a penalty for Quins through Whitgift fly-half Sam Morley was the only dent made on the scoreboard.

But Irish were in a determined mood and St.Paul's Catholic College hooker Curtis Langdon finished off a neatly constructed maul to push Irish close to a win.

The moment of the match belonged to London Irish scrum half Callum Watson, who showed footwork his brother's would have been proud of to score a brilliant individual try.

FT Harlequins u18 10-22 London Irish u18

 London Irish

1. Freddie Boyce 2. Curtis Langdon 3. Tyler White 4. Patrick McPherson 5. Charlie Stonehill 6. Isaac Curtis-Harris 7. Jack Ingall 8. Luke Frost 9. Callum Watson 10. Theo Brophy-Clews (c) 11.  Joe Cokanasiga 12. Sam Telling  13. Cameron Smith 14. Roman Malin-Hiscock 15. Matt Williams

Bench: 16, Toby Hill 17. Matt Kouris 18. Johnson Chandigere 19. Angus Southon 20. Jarad Leat 21.Ben Holt 22. Eddie Lewis 23. Conor Burns

 

Match report and photo courtesy of In at the Side 

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