London Irish U18s went down 21-15 against their compatriots from Bath on Saturday to suffer their second defeat in the Academy league.
The game was played in wet and windy conditions at Millfield School in Somerset and was competitive until the death, the hosts defence however proved to be the difference between the sides.
Irish Captain and fly half, Theo Brophy-Clews, gave Irish the perfect start. He kicked his sides first points after 23 minutes and followed that up five minutes later with a converted try, running back down the short side catching Bath napping.
Bath then scored 21 unanswered points that eventually saw them victors. A try five minutes before the break and a late penalty saw them cut the Irish lead to 8 - 10 at half time. Irish needed to go in at the break with a significant advantage such was the force of the wind at Millfield.
Two tries after half time saw Bath take the ascendancy and left the young Exiles chasing the game.
Only a late rally from Irish secured the losing bonus point with hooker Curtis Langdon finally crossing from a driving lineout.
Bath defended with huge physicality and urgency Stopping the young Irish backline in its tracks on numerous occasions and held on for the win.
A disappointing day in the west country, but lots of positives and lots to work on ahead of Bristol at Hazelwood on Saturday 24th January.
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