Booth credits Exeter effort

League newcomers Exeter impressed London Irish coach Toby Booth, whose team edged a victory in their Aviva Premiership match at Sandy Park.

The Exiles won 12-9 to remain top of the standings, but after the contest Booth praised the organisation of the unfancied Devon side.

He said: "It was a game of two halves - they won the first and we won the second. I was really impressed with Exeter, they were well organised, well coached and very committed."

In the second half the Chiefs failed to take advantage of Irish losing Delon Armitage to the sin-bin for a high tackle, mainly due to the fact that Exeter's lineout fell apart after the interval.

Booth continued: "Our lineout grew much stronger as the game wore on. We used our Premiership experience of previous pressure cookers to get us home."

The 40-year-old is not taking Irish's position for granted, adding: "We are still learning - we have a long way to go.

"The last three seasons we've been near the top of the Premiership at Christmas but have fallen away so it's important we maintain the momentum."

Exeter's Rob Baxter also referred to his side's lineout problems.

The head coach said: "It was comfortably our worst lineout performance of the season but all credit to London Irish as they are very strong in that department."

However, Baxter was far from despondent, adding: "I was pleased with our overall performance. Our work ethic and endeavour was there in spades but I'm a little disappointed and we learnt a tough lesson."