Full-back Olly Barkley scored an injury-time penalty as Bath began their season with an away victory against London Irish at the Madejski Stadium.

The youngster's seventh successful penalty came seven minutes into over time with Bath trailing by a single point in a dramatic climax.

Bath coach Michael Foley was forced to name an inexperienced side due to injuries to international backs Mike Catt, Mike Tindall, Iain Balshaw and Matt Perry.

And ultimately, Irish paid for a rare off-day by their usually reliable goalkicker Barry Everitt.

The fly-half missed four penalties from seven attempts as both teams went in at half-time level at 9-9.

Barkley's fourth penalty and a superb long-range drop goal from debutant Chris Malone put Bath 15-9 up seven minutes into the second half.

Neither side had really threatened a try and when one arrived it was courtesy of a penalty try as the Irish pack tried to steamroller the ball over the line.

Everitt converted to put Irish 16-15 ahead.

Barkley's fifth penalty gave Bath a short-lived 18-16 lead, before Everitt restored the Irish lead at 19-18 with a penalty a minute later.

Midway through the second half when Irish centre Rob Hoadley and Bath forward Simon Emms were sinbinned after exchanging punches.

In the 77th minute, Barkley's long-range penalty put Bath back in front at 21-19.

Three minutes into injury time the match appeared to be over as Everitt put London Irish back in front at 22-21 with a drop goal but, in an extended spell of added time, Barkley had the final say.

London Irish: Horak, Sackey, Appleford, Hoadley, Rossouw, Everitt, Edwards, Hatley, Drotske, Halford, Strudwick, Casey, Gustard, Dawson, Sheasby.
Replacements: Barrett, Mapletoft, Danaher, Kirke, Burke, Worsley, Hardwick.

Bath: Barkley, Thirlby, Maggs, Crockett, Voyce, Malone, Blake, Barnes, Humphries, Galasso, Beattie, Grewcock, G. Thomas, Vander, N. Thomas.
Replacements: Chrystie, Mears, Emms, Davy, Mallett, Scaysbrook, Hudson.

Referee: Roy Maybank (RFU)