"Whilst nice to start 2017 with a bonus point away from home, and a performance that saw us score six tries away from home , we once again have to reflect upon a poor defensive performance that has cost us.

"Full credit to Irish who started strongly and caused us problems right from the kick off. On a superb pitch , we allowed Irish to play a fast wide game that they are very good at, and it cost us. We had spoke all week about attempting to slow their ball down at the tackle and about having a controlled kick game. Unfortunately we achieved neither , and the result tells you how good Irish can be when the game is totally broken up with little structure to it.

"There is no doubt that we can be better defensively. Individual missed tackles have cost us dear. Irish were very good at punishing these errors. We showed character to come back from a 21-0 deficit, and indeed spent more time in their 22 than they did In ours during the game.

"Ollie Rice was superb , as was James Harris, Milo Reynolds and man of the match Dave Bargent (pictured). Debutant John Kelly made a big impact off the bench and looks like he will make a big impact at the club.

"There is plenty to be positive about, and lots to work on. We start 2017 with a bonus point on the road , but must get better at starting games and making individual tackles."