First team regulars
The Exiles had come into the game having lost all seven of their previous A league fixtures but named a strong side ahead of the return to Guinness Premiership action this weekend.Bristol likewise had some first team regulars on display.
Fireworks
And it was up front where the fireworks took place with Irish hooker david Paice fortunate to escape with little more than a ticking off after delivering a salvo of punches as both teams strove to establish superiority.
As it was, referee Bruce Robertson reached for the yellow card four times in total as tempers frequently threatened to spill over.
An early Jason Strange penalty got Bristol off to a good start but the visitors then enjoyed a good 20 minutes spell but only emerged with a catch and drive try for prop Michael Collins despite dominating territory and possession.
Bristol back in front
This was where the game was won and lost as Bristol finished the first half strongly and two Strange penalties nudged them back in front at the interval.
Craig Short and Mark Irish sinbinned
Bristol then had to endure an uncomfortable 10 minutes with only 13 men on the pitch with Craig Short and Mark Irish sinbinned within seconds of each other but did so with relative ease before the pack muscled their way to a crucial score through number eight James Phillips.
With nothing to lose, the Exiles finished strongly but were destined not to score again with their best chance literally slipping through their fingers as they crossed the line with time running out only for the ball to spill loose before being grounded.
Bristol United 16 - London Irish A 5
A good workout for both teams ahead of the weekend but Bristol just about deserved the spoils.
