"Sale have the knack of knowing how to win," was Conor O'Shea's summing up of a frustrating London Irish performance at Sunbury on Saturday. The 26-20 defeat (it was a similar 25-19 reverse last season) already leaves the Exiles again in the lower reaches of rugby's first division. Yet there is no reason to feel discouraged.

O'Shea, leading a full strength side with David Humphreys back at out-half after injury, scored a vintage try following a break in midfield by Mark McCall which left London Irish 20-16 ahead well into the second half.

But Sale's New Zealand number 10, Shane Howarth, after landing his fourth penalty goal, breached the Exiles' cover 14 minutes from the end and put scrum-half Kevin Ellis (fresh from Rugby League) in under the posts. Having led three times, notably when Humphreys dropped a goal after 30 seconds, it was felt that London Irish could take the points. The pack, with Jeremy Davidson soaring effectively in the line-out and Malcolm O'Kelly settling in impressively at number eight, looked the more forceful unit. This was emphasised when Ciaran Bird drove over for a try just before half time.

But although McCall was always a menacing figure in the centre, the backs failed to finish off several match-winning opportunities, especially in the closing stages. "Basically we were overeager," said O'Shea. "We need more control, notably fom 10 yards out. We squandered too many chances today."

The attendance for Sale's visit was just under 2,000. It could be more if the Irish in London took the train from Waterloo, rather than heading for Highbury.