England scrap does Irish the power of good

Acting as England's midweek sparring partners has clearly done London Irish no harm. The Exiles' disjointed but committed display at the Madejski Stadium yesterday was enough to see off a Gloucester side hit by World Cup call-ups.

Irish took heart from their appearance as mystery guests at Bagshot on Wednesday, when they provided Clive Woodward's men with opposition in a series of mini-matches. Judging by their ferocious, swarming defence in the latter stages yesterday, it was a worthwhile exercise.

Fly half Mark Mapletoft departed early on but Barry Everitt kicked two penalties and a drop goal and cajoled his side to victory - just like two seasons ago.

Gloucester's pack was overpowered and their novice back line were repeatedly overcome by stage fright, although Henry Paul was full of creative movement and sharp handling in midfield.

Paul Sackey hit the ground running with enough pace to gift Irish a third-minute lead. Gathering the ball 60 yards out, the wing blazed away from Steve Thomas and swerved inside Alex Page before leaving full back Rory Teague in his wake. Mapletoft converted and the Exiles were away. The traffic remained one-way as the visitors struggled to gain a foothold.

But Mapletoft missed a penalty in the 12th minute and Gloucester earned a reprieve when Sackey was just unable to touch down his kick-ahead. Boosted by this let-off, Gloucester rallied. Junior Paramore, in particular, was making his presence felt and the big Samoan No.8 gave Irish the slip to score in the 26th minute, running in unopposed from a ruck on the 22. Paul added the conversion and a penalty to take the visitors in 10-7 up at half-time.

After the interval Irish raised their game and, with Gloucester struggling at the set piece, took command. Captain Ryan Strudwick went close from a driving maul before the dam broke, Everitt's kicks seeing his side home.