Purley John Fisher 15
London Irish Amateurs 23

PJF's season crashed on Saturday as they failed to secure the win needed to gain promotion for next season.

In an entertaining match the hosts tried in vain to hang on to the visitors who took the initiative early on, settling themselves with two quick penalties. Thereafter London Irish went through the motions and just did enough to ensure that PJF took nothing from the game.

Full credit must be given to London Irish for a very streetwise and technical performance that made it difficult for PJF to get themselves going.

The Irish amassed a 13-0 half- time lead through a converted try, and two early penalties.

With what wind there was behind them in the second half PJF began to mount their response as Charlie Fisher slotted a penalty to introduce PJF to the scoreboard. The Irish worked hard and scored another converted try and penalty to lead 23-3.

PJF began to find some form and cohesion and with the crowd behind them started to fight back. Clearances by Fisher and Vaughan began to peg the Irish back in their half and from there the home eight awoke to the situation, forming the solid platform needed to spring a rear guard action.

Two tries followed as first the pack pushed over and then a characteristic thundering try came from winger Nick Owen.

However, it proved to be too little too late and it was a much relieved visiting side that welcomed the final whistle.