Match Report: Exiles and Bears share the spoils in London thriller

FT London Irish 34 - Bristol Bears 34

A superb comeback from London Irish secured a draw against log leaders Bristol Bears.

The game got off to a controversial start as a tip tackle Sam Bedlow, saw Bristol go down to 14 men after 3 minutes

Paddy Jackson then opened the scoring with a penalty from the yellow card.

London Irish went on the attack to capitalize on the extra man, but against the run of play Charles Piutau intercepted from inside his half before Piers O'Conor finished the try. Sheedy added the extras.

London Irish went in search of a reply, but as they put Bristol under pressure inside their half, another interception saw Siva Naulago double the lead. Sheedy again added the extras

Bristol were cruising and London Irish were under pressure. Sheedy then added a penalty to move Bristol to a 14 point lead.

Ten minutes later Jackson added a penalty after London Irish built some pressure.

With 10 minutes to go, Bristol dominated and looked to have wrapped the game up as they scored their two quick tries through Chris Vui and a second from Siva Naulago. Sheedy added both conversions.

With just one minute to go before the break, Irish needed some hope and were rewarded when Steve Mafi went over. Jackson added the extras and Irish went into half time trailing 13-31

The second half was a very different affair. London Irish chased the game and Bristol Bears defended well to keep their lead intact.

The game took another turn after Ben Loader went to the bin. Sheedy added three more points for the Bears before Mitch Eadie followed Loader  as he went to the bin four minutes later.

Both teams were down to 14 men for 10 minutes, but London Irish took the opportunity and scored two converted tries in five minutes, as Theo Brophy-Clews and Nick Phipps went over.

London Irish had all the momentum and their confidence was flowing.

With just two minutes left London Irish pressed into the Bristol 22m and created numbers out wide for Tom Parton to score.

Paddy Jackson stepped up and calmly slotted the conversion to level the scores.

There was still time for more drame, as Irish attacked from deep again and they make a line break that looked to be something significant but they knocked on, saving Bristol from embarrassment and ended a thrilling encounter