Budding rugby writer of the future James Kehoe got a taste of the big time when he got the chance to report on last weekend’s Aviva Premiership clash with Exeter Chiefs as part of ‘Kids Takeover Day.’

The 8-year-old rugby enthusiast rubbed shoulders with the likes of Austin Healey and Ben Kay, who were working for BT Sport and sat alongside the local and national media in the Press Box.

Scribing away on his notepad, James knocked up a match report (below) and even posed a couple of questions to Irish Head Coach Tom Coventry during the post-match press conference. 

Thanks must go to Tom for his time in answering James’ questions. Who knows we may see James’ back at the Madejski in years to come! 

London Irish V Exeter Chiefs

Sunday 21st February 2016
By James Kehoe

Before the game starts, there is a minute silence for former Chairman David FitzGerald who sadly died during the week. 

Exeter kick off and this crucial encounter has begun. London Irish start brightly and put pressure on Exeter which makes them have a shaky start to the match.

It’s not long until the first points are scored. A sensational break by Topsy Ojo and great support by Ofisa Treviranus leads to a try straight under the posts, making it an easy conversion for Theo Brophy-Clews. IT’S TRY TIME!!!

Two penalties from Exeter get them back into the game and at half time the score is 7 – 6.

The second half starts with a penalty for each side but then the Chiefs pressure the Irish and score. Irish captain, Luke Narraway pleads with the referee to go to the TMO to check for blocking in the lead up to the try but the referee doesn’t. Chiefs extend their lead with a penalty after Nagle gets a yellow card.

Irish are again in a dangerous position when suddenly Topsy Ojo rips the ball and sprints the length of the pitch for the try line. He jumps over a desperate Chief’s tackle but Topsy’s pace is enough to score London Irish’s second try of the game. IT’S TRY TIME!!!

Unfortunately it is not enough to win the game. Exeter score another penalty and the final score is 15 -22. Irish do, however, claim their first losing bonus point of the season.

Two yellow cards for Irish and the referee’s refusal to go to TMO for the Chiefs try were the key turning points in this game.

After the game Tom Coventry praised Theo Brophy-Clews on his first premiership start and captain, Luke Narraway told us that the players were working as hard as possible to get results and for fans to keep supporting them. We will!!!!

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