There, at the Exiles' top-class training facility, a United starting team featuring no fewer than ten current or former Academy players were able to grind out a 0-17 victory in what was a closely-fought match.

The evenness of the opponents was reflected in the fact that no points were scored until the 39th minute, when fullback Darren Atkins cruised through for a try, after some excellent work at the breakdown by wing Levi Davies and hooker Dan Frost. Inside centre Adam Hastings converted Atkins' try for a half-time lead of seven points to nil.

Near the hour mark, Hastings made a powerful kick from out wide on the Irish 10m line to take United ten points clear, before replacement hooker Billy Harding displayed some beguiling footwork to dance over for a try minutes from time.

United were able to see out the match thanks to some efficient tackling out wide, where Irish had proved a constant threat through the match, with the match finishing 0-17 to the visitors.

Bath United see off London Irish A

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