Having lost in extra time to Worcester last year, the London Irish suffered another defeat in extra time in the Premiership Cup final when Aidon Davis’s try secured a 24–20 win for the Exeter Chiefs; Irish’s wait for a trophy stretches to 21 years, while Exeter build on their 2014 and 2018 wins
By PA Sport
The Exeter Chiefs celebrate their Premiership Cup Final victory over the London Irish
The hearts of the London Irish broke for the second year running when an extra-time try from Exeter Chiefs wing Aidon Davis snatched the Premiership Cup from them, extending their long wait for a trophy.
Last season Worcester robbed them of success by scoring more tries in a 25-25 draw, but the Irish looked set to end their 21-year drought this time around until a late yellow card for wing Josh Basham changed the game. in favor of Exeter, with the Chiefs. they ultimately ran out 24-20 winners, adding to their cup victories in 2014 and 2018.
For the Irish, outside midfielder Jacob Atkins converted both of his tries scored by hooker Ignacio Ruiz, while also adding two penalties.
Jack Innard, Josh Iofesa-Scott and Davis scored Exeter’s tries, with Iwan Jenkins kicking a conversion and a penalty, along with Joe Simmonds adding two conversions.
A brilliant run from Exeter’s Tom Wyatt secured his team an early attacking platform. Fielding a ball deep into his own half, the full-back easily evaded two defenders but, despite a period of sustained pressure, the Irish were able to keep their line intact.
With their first foray at the Chiefs’ 22-yard line, the home team took the lead after 15 minutes when Ruiz crashed in a lineout.
That converted try was the only score of a lively first quarter, with the Irish dominating the scrum, but their line-out malfunction allowed Exeter’s enterprising backs a chance to flourish.
A high penalty count in favor of the Chiefs was also helping their cause, so it came as no surprise when they leveled the score when captain Innard plowed through from close range.
After 33 minutes, Exeter suffered two hits in quick succession. Firstly, prop Danny Southworth was shown a yellow card for a high challenge on number 8 So’otala Fa’aso’o, allowing the Irish to capitalize with a second try for Ruiz.
Atkins converted before Jenkins kicked a 40-meter penalty to cut the arrears and see the Irish head into half time leading 14-10.
Southworth returned from the bench just in time to see his team fall further behind when Atkins kicked a penalty awarded for a deliberate strike from Chiefs number 8 Rus Tuima.
The penalty was the only score of a close third quarter, with Exeter bringing in the experience of Ollie Devoto, Jannes Kirsten and Simmonds in an attempt to turn the tide in their favour.
With seven minutes remaining, the Irish lost winger Basham in the sin-bin for a big challenge on center Sean O’Brien and it proved costly when Iosefa-Scott crashed out, with a Simmonds conversion taking the game into extra time.
Exeter lost Kirsten to a head injury before Basham returned in time to see his side regain the lead through a simple Atkins penalty.
However, the Irish missed Davis’ restart to end a period of pressure, with a conversion from Simmonds sealing victory and Irish despair.
