Some kick tennis there from both teams. Eventually things calm down and the London side find themselves in their opposition's 22 once again

TRY IRISH. A perfectly executed driving maul gives the home side their first try of the game! Jimmy Stevens the man to cross the line with ball in hand. The wind plays havoc with Dorrian s conversion attempt so it remains 8-0

Irish in a threatening position. They've opted for the corner off a penalty. Potential first try of the game? Lets see how this drive works out.

The crowd building a surprising good atmosphere for the small numbers that are present. The die hards!

Prato are caught offside and Myles Dorrian gets his first opportunity for points. The flyhalf makes no mistakes. 3-0

Good early pressure from London Irish. First scrum coming up just inside Prato 22.

We are up and running

Windy conditions at the Madejski. Kickers and full backs will have their work cut out for them. Teams just about to enter the field.

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the opening round of the Amlin Challenge Cup with London Irish hosting Italian side Cavalieri Prato at the Madejski Stadium. London Irish club captain, Declan Danaher, returns to the Exiles starting line-up and leads the Premiership side this evening. John Yapp, Jimmy Stevens and Jamie Hagan make up the front-row with Nic Rouse and Bryn Evans forming the second-row partnership. Myles Dorrian and Darren Allinson make their first competitive starts this season in the halves with Sailosi Tagicakibau and Fergus Mulchrone in the centre. It will be interesting to see how this half back partnership will function under the European spotlight. Brian Smith, Exiles director of rugby said: "We have rotated the squad this week to allow our squad players a chance to show what they can do. Cavalieri Prato will be very passionate tomorrow night and will come to the Madejski looking to cause an upset so we have prepared accordingly for that." It is difficult to know what to make of this Italian side who are not part of any European top flight league.. However what we do know, as is present in all Italian sides, is a heavy and aggressive pack willing and able to do damage. The characteristically emotional and passionate Italian players never shy away from confrontation or any sort of a challenge for that matter. However, with Cavalieri having lost their last 12 Amlin Cup games, it is difficult to imagine Irish losing this game, the London side will not evade the bumps and bruises though! Kick off not too far away, I hope you enjoy this evening's coverage.

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