London Irish under 18s dispatch of Bristol to continue winning run

London Irish under 18s made it five consecutive victories in a row last Saturday with a 38-10 away victory against Bristol under 18s at Filton College. 

The young Exiles produced some outstanding rugby, scoring six tries to two in a clinical display. 

Nick Kennedy's side made the perfect start to the game crossing for an early try. After great build up play, the hosts gave away a penalty five metres out from their own line. Scrum half Rory Brand took a quick tap penalty and powered his way over the line past two defenders. 

Declan Danaher's forward pack drove their way over for the second try of the afternoon with a driving maul straight off the training ground. Harry butler grounded the ball to double his side's advantage. 

Irish's third try was possibly the best of the afternoon and involved multi phase play with backs and forwards interlinking. Prop forward Austin Hay provided the crucial pass for full back Will Attfield to score in the corner. 

Fly half Tom Parton was instrumental in his side's fourth try as the Exiles continued their efficient first half display. Parton broke down the flank before arching his way back in field and passing to the supporting Attfield who crossed for his second try of the afternoon. 

Just before half time, after another relentless attack, Tom Parton went alone to score under the posts to make the half time score 31-0. 

The second half was a much tighter affair. Bristol worked hard to fight their way back into the match and had plenty of possession, to which Irish defended valiantly. 

The hosts did cross for two tries in the second stanza to the one Irish score. Isaac Curtis Harris carried hard in the build up and offloaded to Jack Cooke who went over for the try. Tom Parton kicked his fourth conversion to make the final score 38-10. 

Following the match, Academy Coach, Paul Hodgson, said: "We were once again really pleased with the defensive effort, that element of our game really set the tone and off the back of that our attack was able to take advantage."

Saracens under 18s visit Hazelwood this weekend for the final league game of the season before attention turns to the play-offs.