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Last Updated: Friday, 11 November 2005, 21:52 GMT

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Newcastle 20-23 London Irish

MATCH SUMMARY

Newcastle 20 (8)
Try: Burke
Pens: Wilkinson 5

London Irish 23 (16)
Tries: Flutey, Murphy
Pens: Everitt 3
Cons: Everitt 2

London Irish held off a late fightback by Newcastle to clinch a hard-fought victory at Kingston Park.

The Exiles took command just before the break when Barry Everitt set up Riki Flutey for a 40th-minute try.

They continued their domination early in the second half and led 23-8 thanks to a Philip Murphy try, converted by the impressive Everitt.

Jonny Wilkinson gave Newcastle hope with four penalties but the Exiles defence held firm for the win.

Newcastle director of rugby Rob Andrew:

"I'm incredibly disappointed because for long spells in that game we were the better side.

"I feel like we've been mugged by a London Irish side who came up to do a job on us, and did enough of a job to win the game.

"We fell asleep either side of half-time and they had the edge in tight areas."

London Irish coach Brian Smith:

"I'm delighted with the result, although there are still things to work on.

"Our defence was very, very good and although we struggled in the line-out early on we managed to fix it.

"We've been unlucky with some of our defeats so it was pleasing to be on the end of a narrow victory for once."

Newcastle: Burke, May, Tait, Flood, Grindal, Hoyle, J. Wilkinson, Anderson, Long, Morris, Parling, Buist, Finegan, Woods, Charvis.
Replacements: Dickson for Grindal (46), Ward for Anderson (46), Thompson for Long (58), Paoletti for Morris (65), McCarthy for Finegan (54).
Not Used: Smitson, Walder.

London Irish: Flutey, Armitage, Penney, Catt, Bishop, Everitt, Willis, Hatley, Coetzee, Rautembach, Casey, Kennedy, Roche, Danaher, Murphy.
Replacements: Strudwick for Casey (72).
Not Used: Collins, Russell, Gustard, Feaunati, Hodgson, Mordt.

Att: 10,200

Ref: Sean Davey (RFU).

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