London Irish (18) 37 Tries: Blaney 2, Stowers, S Armitage, Bowden Con: Lamb 3 Pens: Lamb 2 Northampton (6) 20 Tries: Sharman, Armstrong Con: Ford, Hughes Pens: Ford 2
Scott Armstrong is tackled by Topsy Ojo at the Madejski Stadium
London Irish ran in five tries to defeat holders Northampton and claim their first LV= Cup win of the season.
Hooker Brian Blaney scored his first two tries for the Exiles to help the hosts to an 18-6 half-time lead.
After Blaney was sin binned for offside, Saints cut the arrears through Brett Sharman's try, only for George Stowers to restore the Irish advantage.
Steffon Armitage and Daniel Bowden put the Exiles out of sight, before Scott Armstrong's late consolation score.
Northampton Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder told BBC Radio Northampton: "It was tough. They put a strong team out there with a first-choice back line and a first-choice back row.
"But I thought we coped well. (The players) all stepped up to the pressure and intensity of the game - I think possibly a lack of decision-making at times cost us dearly.
"We played most of the rugby in the first half and it was disappointing to go in behind."
London Irish: Ojo; Thompstone, Mapusua, Bowden, Tagicakibau; Lamb, Allinson; Murphy, Blaney, Ion, Kennedy, Roche, Gibson, S. Armitage, Hala'ufia.
Replacements: Seveali'i for Mapusua (68), Lalanne for Allinson (64), Johnson for Blaney (71), Lahiff for Ion (64), Low for Kennedy (68), Thorpe for Gibson (69), Stowers for Hala'ufia (40). Not Used: Herring.
Replacements: Hughes for Geraghty (71), Cornwell for Ford (66), Glynn for Commins (71), Dreyer for Waller (36), Long for Sharman (63), Prescott for Mercey (66), Hicks for Eustace (68), Ingle for Clarke (68).
Bookmark with:
What are these?