2 September 2006
A crowd of 51,960 packed Twickenham today for the Guinness Premiership seasons opening double header that produced narrow wins for both London Irish and London Wasps.

Irish had fly half Riki Flutey to thank as they scraped a late penalty to beat a lively NEC Harlequins side on their return to the Premiership, 21-20.

Dean Richards Quins led 9-8 at half-time thanks to three penalties from young fly half Adrian Jarvis in response to an opening Flutey penalty and a try from right-wing Topsy Ojo.

Jarvis added a fourth before three Flutey penalties and a drop-goal swung the game in Irish’s favour 17-12. A try from prop Ceri Jones, off a five meter line-out, again had Quins back in front, 19-17, before a magnificent late 44 metre penalty from Flutey.

And, it was two late penalties from the boot of fly half Dave Walder that earned Wasps their opening win of the season.

Having struck the first blow early in the first-half when replacement Ayoola Erinle smashed his way over Saracens immediately responded with a Ben Johnston touchdown converted by fly half Glen Jackson.

Jackson, two, and Walder then traded penalties before a try off a push-over from lock Tom Palmer handed Wasps back the lead, 16-15.

Jackson again put Saracens back in front early in the second half before Walders two penalties sealed the points for Wasps.