Exiles’ survival ‘in our own hands’

LONDON IRISH boss Conor O’Shea fired a clear message to the Exiles’ Zurich Premiership relegation rivals by declaring: “It’s in our hands now.”

Irish turned the congested relegation picture upside down by defeating deposed Premiership champions Leicester 20-19 at Welford Road.

In doing so, they became the first club to complete a season's league double over Leicester since Newcastle managed it during their title-winning campaign five years ago.

And Irish will now be safe if they beat fellow strugglers Bristol Shoguns away next Saturday.

"If we win next week, then we are safe, and that is all we care about," said Exiles rugby director O'Shea.

"This victory brings a lot more teams back into the relegation fight, who perhaps thought they were safe."

Mark Mapletoft, handed the fly-half role instead of axed top points scorer Barry Everitt, came up trumps for Irish, kicking five penalties to leave Leicester's Heineken Cup qualification hopes in the balance.

The Tigers should still squeeze in through the back door but their final league game is at Gloucester next weekend so nothing can be guaranteed.

Despite taking an early lead through Tim Stimpson's try, Tigers had no answer to the determination of Irish, whose victory was secured through prop Mike Worsley's touchdown.

Wasps guaranteed themselves a place in the title play-off semi-final on May 18 by defeating their closest rivals Sale Sharks 16-9 at Heywood Road.

Victory over Harlequins next weekend will also give Wasps home advantage - probably against the Sharks and install them as clear favourites to meet Gloucester at Twickenham later this month.

Northampton could still sneak past the Sharks and claim third spot but they would need to claim a maximum five-point haul against Leeds next Saturday and hope that Sale leave lowly Saracens with nothing.