London Irish played three and won one this evening as they lost out in the final of the Plate against Leicester Tigers.
The young side, coached by the Academy coaches showed effort and endeavour throughout, however were well beaten in the Plate Final by Leicester Tgers.
After Cardiff and Gloucester got off to winning starts in games 1 and 2 against Leicester and Northampton respectively it was time for the Exiles to enter the fray against hosts Harlequins in game 3.
Quins got off to the perfect start with Jordan Burns darting over in the first minute after streaking clear of the break down. Cam Cowell struck back immediately before he was harshly handed a yellow card for as perceived tip tackle. A Jack Maslen intercept try before half time gave the home side a 12-5 lead at the break.
Exciting young Academy prospect Johnny Williams got Irish back into the match showing great feet and power to get over the line. However a second try to Burns and a solo effort from replacement Gavin Dampies was enough to condemn Irish to defeat and the Plate tournament.
Next up for the Exiles was a Plate semi final encounter against Newcastle Falcons who had lost narrowly in their opening match to Newport Gwent Dragons. In atrocious conditions it was Irish that drew first blood with a try for Will Harries and it remained 5-0 till half time.
Newcastle levelled the scores late in the second half to set up a tense finale. Connor Murphy came off the bench to score the winning try after quick thinking from a tap penalty to book his side's a place in the Plate final.
Nick Kennedy's side came up against a well organised Leicester outfit in the penultimate match of the evening and went down 17-0. Tries to Josh Fowles, Phil woodhead and Dan Rundle were enough to secure Leicester the Plate.
Game 1 - Cardiff 19 Leicester 14
Game 2 - Gloucester 50 Northampton Saints 5
Game 3 Harlequins 26 London Irish 10
Game 4 Newcastle 10 newport Gwent Dragons 12
Plate semi final1 Leicester 21 Northampton Saints 12
Plate semi final 2 London Irish 12 Newcastle Falcons 5
Semi final 1 Gloucester 24 Cardiff 14
Semi final 2 Harlequins 15 Newport Gwent Dragons 19
Plate Final Leicester 17 London Irish 0
Cup Final Gloucester Newport Gwent Dragons
London Irish
Jamie Hearn; Ollie Adams; Theo Brophy-Clews; Connor Murphy; Will Harries; Johnny Williams; Declan Williams; Simon Hunt; Ollie Curry; Patrick O'Grady; Cam Cowell; Olie williams
Harlequins
Izzy Foa'i; Jack Maslen; Ian Clark; Sam Aspland Robinson; Simon Pitfield; Henry Cheesman; Alosio Yamoyamo; James Chisholm; Jordan Burns; Gavin Dampies; Ollie Lindsay-hague; Joe Marchant
Cardiff Blues
Rhys Shellard; Jevon Groves; Richard Smith; Dafi Davies; Ben Roach; Garyn Smith; Thomas Williams; Owen Jenkins; tomos Williams; Geraint Walsh; Dan Fish; Harry Davies
Leicester Tigers
Will Owen; Jake Farnworth; Gary Dipple; Ben Frankland; Rhys Williams; George Tresidder; Josh Fowles; Andy Bulumakau; Phil Woodhead; David Williams; Oli Bryant; Dan Rundle
Gloucester Rugby
Sam Showering; Jacob Rowan; Bill Meakes; Rhodri McAtee; Ollie Thorley; Lloyd Evans; Steph Reynolds; Dan Thomas; Callum Braley; Ben Vellacott; Henry Purdy; Sam Underhill
Northampton Saints
Josh Skelcey; George Cox; Glenn Dickson; Tim Cardall; Jacob Conner; Rory Hutchinson; Will Allman; Teimana Harrison; Phil Robinson; Sam Oliver; Howard Packman; Matt Goode
Newcastle Falcons
Dan Temm; Glenn Young; Ben Morris; James Christie; Tom Catterick; Chris Harris; Andy Davies; Brian Tuilagi; Tom Wilson; Ollie Walker; Craig Willis; Dan Marshall
Newport Gwent Dragons
Angus O'Brien; Dorian Jones; Owen Davies; Jonny Lewis; Luke Morgan; Matthew Pewtner; Rhys Jones; James Thomas; James Cordey-Redden; Lewis Hudd; Oliver Griffiths; Sam Cross
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