WELSHMAN Matthew McCarthy was bottom club Orrell's hero, kicking 22 points as the Lancashire side edged out visitors and fellow Courage League Division One strugglers London Irish 32-27 on Saturday.

Out half McCarthy landed 17 points when Orrell ended an eightmatch losing streak against West Hartlepool in December, and complemented first half tries from Lua Tuigamala and Jim Naylor.

London Irish claimed four touchdowns through skipper Conor O'Shea (2), Ken O'Connell and David Humphreys, but have won only one league game since September 7th.

Bristol, still firmly among the first division relegation play off candidates, rued three missed penalties from Irish international out half Paul Burke which could have handed them a first league victory over Bath at their 14th attempt. Instead they ended up losing 18-13.