Leeds 11 (11) Try: Biggs Pens: Ross 2 Exiles 27 (17) Tries: Penney, Armitage, Bishop, Dawson Cons: Everitt 2 Pen: Everitt

Tom Biggs' early try put the Tykes in front but scores from Rodd Penney and Delon Armitage gave the Exiles a 17-11 half-time lead.

Justin Bishop added a third try before the hour as Leeds' frustration grew.

They failed to score a point in the second half and Kieron Dawson breezed over for a fourth Exiles try late on.

Former England star Mike Catt played a captain's role by creating the first three tries.

His precision pass sent his centre partner Penney in for the opening Irish try before a probing kick led to a fortuitous second for full-back Armitage.

Catt then stretched the Leeds defence beyond breaking point with the long pass which enabled Armitage to put Bishop in for the third.

It ensured French flanker Olivier Magne enjoyed a winning start on his Premiership debut, playing his part in a solid forward performance.

Biggs gave Leeds the ideal start

That was in sharp contrast to Marshall, whose frustration grew as the game wore on and his team-mates failed to respond to his prompting.

It had started promisingly for the Tykes when left-wing Biggs finished off a superb handling move in the left-hand corner.

Barry Everitt and Gordon Ross exchanged penalties before Catt's exquisitely-timed pass released Penney.

Everitt converted to put Irish 10-8 ahead before Ross' second penalty edged Leeds a point in front.

But Ross unintentionally presented Irish with their second try when Catt's low kick rebounded off him and into the grateful arms of Armitage.

Ross also missed a simple penalty in first-half injury time and Leeds ran out of ideas after Bishop's try.