Bath too strong for London Irish

A dominant first-half display from Bath Rugby has helped the club to a 33-18 win over London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.

Guy Mercer scored a brace of tries in the first half as the home side proved too strong for the Exiles, crossing the whitewash five times before the break.

The visitors' cause was not helped by David Paice picking up a yellow card just before half time, leaving them a man short at the start of the second period.

Shane Geraghty added his second try of the match to keep the London side's hopes alive in the second half, but they were unable to reduce Bath's lead further.

The win leaves Bath third in the table.