TWO big packs produced an uncompromising encounter at the Memorial Stadium yesterday in which Bristol Shoguns’ superiority in open play looked like being decisive. London Irish, though, might have snatched the game after Declan Danaher had finished off an attack that flowed through several phases. Barry Everitt landed a difficult conversion and then added his sixth penalty goal for a five-point lead.
Bristol, however, responded with a determined late assault of their own, which ended in Saul Nelson, the replacement prop, plunging over unopposed much as Danaher had done five minutes earlier. Shane Drahm, who enjoyed a fine all-round match, narrowly missed with his conversion attempt from the left touchline.
Robin Goodliffe, the referee, left most observers puzzled as to why, having courageously awarded Bristol