Booth glad to end losing run

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

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."

"(This season) has been very frustrating, we have lost around seven games in the last five minutes. Today it was a conscious decision to pick 14 players who will be with us next season as we've got to fast track them into getting Premiership experience."

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.

"We were dire in the first half," said Hill.

"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 last 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."