London Irish: 18 Tries: Appleford, Sackey Con: Catt Pens: Everitt (2) Harlequins: 12 Pen: Staunton (3); Dunne

The hot weather did not help matters, and the players were given a water break midway through the second period.

Geoff Appleford's 54th minute try laid the foundations for an Exiles victory, and England winger Paul Sackey made sure with an opportunist score late on.

Quins had a revival in the second half with two penalties by substitute Jeremy Staunton but Irish were more incisive.

The Exiles were the more inventive in the early stages, and former Wales U-21 international Darren Edwards made some incisive runs, only to squander good positions.

We can't take much from the game Harlequins coach Mark Evans

Scott Staniforth went close in the left corner but Quins almost caught the Exiles when Ugo Monye intercepted, only to spill the ball with the line at his mercy.

Monye had another chance in the 35th minute, but instead of feeding one of three unmarked colleagues, he held on and was poleaxed by Mike Catt.

It was a high challenge from the former Bath player, who was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card.

With Barry Everitt sinbinned for a high tackle, Irish took advantage as Appleford was released on the right to power through and find the line.

As Quins were gradually coming back into the match through the boot of Staunton, Sackey came off his wing, took possession at a ruck and ghosted clear.

Quins coach Mark Evans was not impressed by what his side produced at Twickenham.

"We can't take much from the game," said Evans.

"Our finishing was poor when we were dominating in the second quarter. I thought we might nick it at times in the second half but that didn't happen."

And Irish head coach Gary Gold admitted that the four league points were the best thing to come out of the match for his side.

"If it's scrappy from both sides like that you want to make sure you're on the end of a victory," he said.

"At stages we looked good and dominated. Our forwards drove well but we need to be more adventurous because there were more tries to be had out there."

London Irish: Armitage; Sackey, Appleford, Catt, Staniforth; Everitt, Edwards; Hatley, Flavin, Hardwick, Strudwick (c), Casey, Gustard, Dawson, Roche.
Replacements: Durant, Russell, Kennedy, Murphy, Mordt, Hodgson, Horak/Mapletoft