By John Harding

BRISTOL slipped to the foot of the Premiership Academy U18s League Southern Conference Table as the previous incumbents, London Irish, secured their first win of the season with 33-17 at a very wet and windy South Gloucestershire and Stroud (SGS) College in Filton.

A try from Will Hines (Redland Green) had given Bristol an early lead with fly-half Nathan Chamberlain (SGS) converting his own touchdown just before the break but that left his side trailing 21-12 any the break.

The Exiles stretched their lead but Bristol had the final say in the game as they picked up the tempo and the ball was put through the hands as it was worked wide for replacement Bertie Scoble (St Mary's University College) to slide over the line.

Bristol's final Southern Conference match is on Saturday at Hartpury College, kick-off 12.15pm, when they face their Gloucester counterparts who had a narrow 34-32 victory over Harlequins at the Surrey Sports Park.

Bath host Saracens at Melksham RFC, kick-off 1.30pm, while Exeter Chiefs, who were beaten 31-26 by Saracens at Allianz Park, travel to the Surrey Sports Park to face Harlequins, kick off 3pm.

Meanwhile, Bristol Ladies' search for their first Tyrrells Premier 15s second XV League win of the season continues as they slipped to a narrow 12-10 defeat by their Richmond FC counterparts at Cleve RFC.