Armitage brothers lead Exiles home

Delon and Steffon Armitage both scored tries as London Irish romped to a 39-17 bonus-point victory over Exeter on Saturday.

Delon Armitage turned in a man-of-the-match display in his first game back from suspension as London Irish bounced back from their shock defeat at Leeds.

Armitage missed England's Six Nations title triumph after being handed an eight-game ban for abusing a drug-testing official, but wasted little time in reminding Martin Johnson of what he has to offer.

The full-back raced on to fly-half Daniel Bowden's low kick into the corner to expertly touch down after just 40 seconds and set up a second length-of-the-field try in the fifth minute that was finished off by younger brother Steffan.

The Exiles, unbeaten at home since New Year's Day, were never in danger of conceding their advantage.

Steffom Armitage went on to touch down for a second time and there was a further try for replacement David Paice, back from a long-term ankle injury, while wing Tom Homer kicked five penalties and two conversions.

Exeter, who had won three of their previous four Premiership matches, replied with a try from prop Chris Budgen and four penalties from fly-half Gareth Steenson.

While Delon Armitage had caught the Exeter backline flat-footed for the game's second try, his wayward kick led to the visitors' only touch down after it had gone dead.

From the resulting scrum Exeter's Fijian centre Sireli Naqelevuki burrowed to within a metre of the home line before Budgen drove over.

But the Exiles were dominant and Paice was driven over by his pack for a converted try in the 58th minute, while Steffon Armitage forced his way in for his side's fourth try nine minutes from time to secure the Irish's bonus point.

end

The scorers:

For London Irish:
Tries: D. Armitage, S. Armitage 2, Paice
Cons: Homer 2
Pens: Homer 5

For Exeter:
Try: Budgen
Pens: Steenson 4

Yellow card: Scaysbrook (Exeter -56th min)

London Irish:15 Delon Armitage, 14 Topsy Ojo, 13 Elvis Seveali'i, 12 Seilala Mapusua, 11 Tom Homer, 10 Daniel Bowden, 9 Paul Hodgson, 8 George Stowers, 7 Steffon Armitage, 6 Jamie Gibson, 5 Bob Casey, 4 Nick Kennedy, 3 Faan Rautenbach, 2 James Buckland, 1 Clarke Dermody (c).
Replacements: 16 David Paice 17 Alex Corbisiero 18 Paulica Ion 19 Gary Johnson 20 Richard Thorpe 21 Adam Thompstone 22 Ryan Lamb 23 Darren Allinson

Exeter: 15 Luke Arscott, 14 Matt Jess, 13 Jason Shoemark, 12 Sireli Naqelevuki, 11 Nic Sestaret, 10 Gareth Steenson, 9 HaydnThomas, 8 Richard Baxter, 7 James Scaysbrook, 6 Tom Johnson, 5 James Hanks, 4 Tom Hayes (c), 3 Chris Budgen, 2 Neil Clark, 1 Brett Sturgess,
Replacements: 16 Simon Alcott, 17 Ben Moon, 18 Hoani Tui, 19 Chad Slade, 20 James Phillips, 21 Junior Poluleuligaga, 22 Nemani Nadolo, 23 Ignacio Mieres.

Venue: Madejski Stadium
Referee: Greg Garner