London Irish suffer early setback

London Irish suffered a setback yesterday with a disappointing defeat against Bath.

Jonathan Humphreys celebrated his Premiership debut by helping Bath record a shock 24-22 success against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

Humphreys, despite receiving a yellow card, and French prop Alessio Galasso were at the heart of Bath’s forward effort as they recorded a first league away win since thumping Rotherham in April last year.

Full-back Olly Barkley’s lengthy penalty strike – in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time – saw Bath home, following six earlier strikes and a Chris Malone drop-goal.

Irish kicker Barry Everitt, the Premiership’s top marksman last term, missed several pressure kicks in comparison, although his injury time drop-goal looked to have secured the points.