Leeds Tykes' director of rugby Phil Davies tipped his side to beat relegation after this afternoon's narrow defeat to London Irish.

The Zurich Premiership strugglers outplayed Heineken Cup hopefuls Irish for long periods at Headingley but despite a late rally Davies' men were edged out 29-24.

The home side led 17-6 after first-half tries from Scott Benton and Dan Scarbrough but Irish hit back with decisive scores from Paul Sackey, Barry Everitt and Mike Worsley.

Scarbrough's second set up a rousing finish but The Tykes could not force their way over for a fourth time to improve their bonus points to a maximum haul.

But Davies said: "We didn't get the win but we are better off than we were this morning because we got an important bonus point.

"We knew Irish were a good side before the game and knew we have a tough contest.

"It is a credit to my players that they stuck in there.

"We got a bit of a lead in the first half which was great at the time but we were disappointed to let them score the way we did.

"But you can't fault the effort, which was tremendous. We've now got five games left and all is to play for.

"We're still in there fighting and this is going to go right to the end of the season."

Irish head coach Gary Gold admitted his side were glad to get what had proved a tough game out of the way.

The Exiles are now in touching distance of a top-four finish having performed way above expectations this season.

Gold said: "If Leeds keep playing that way they will stay up.

"That is one of the best defences we have come up against all year - we feel lucky to have come away with a win.

"We can see why the Leicesters of this world come here and don't get a victory."