Booth joy as London Irish end losing run

London Irish coach Toby Booth was a relieved man after his side ended a run of seven straight Aviva Premiership defeats with a 25-16 win at Worcester.

Exiles full-back Tom Homer racked up 15 points for the visitors as Worcester produced one of their worst performances of the season.

Booth, who confirmed he would still be at the club next season, said: "I'm delighted for the players. The road has been too long with so many defeats. We adapted well to the conditions, we controlled the game and didn't let them get going."

The scoreline flattered Worcester, who only showed any real fight in the final quarter when Marcel Garvey and Miles Benjamin ran in late tries.

Worcester coach Richard Hill was heavily critical of his side's first-half showing.

He said: "We were dire in the first half. We sharpened up after the interval. Shaun Perry made a considerable difference coming on at half-time as he helped with his leadership and energy and we restored a little bit of pride in the second half."

Newcastle's defeat on Friday night had secured Worcester's top-flight status and Hill admitted that might have had an effect on his side.

He added: "I don't know why we were so lacklustre, maybe it was that result, but it was a very disappointing performance because we don't like losing at home."

Hill also revealed Dale Rasmussen was not badly hurt after the player received oxygen and was helped from the field following a heavy collision.

Hill said: "He's ok, but it is not the best way to finish your last home game."