London Irish missed the chance to return to the top of the English Premiership on Sunday after Wasps came from behind late in the game to clinch a thrilling 33-25 victory.

The exiles had looked to be on course for victory after taking an 18-13 lead early in the second half but were left stunned as Wasps scored late tries from Steve Kefu and Tom Varndell to snatch a dramatic win.

Five-eighth David Walder contributed 18 points, including four penalties and three conversions, while Ben Jacobs got Wasps' other try in the first half.

London Irish director of rugby Toby Booth admitted he was shellshocked at his team's failure to win after they repeatedly failed to turn pressure and territory into points.

"Anybody who knows me knows I'm a very straight-up sort of bloke, but I'm in a state of shock at what I have just watched," Booth said.

"I am absolutely flabbergasted. I cannot believe we played like that and came away without even a bonus point.

"We were three times five metres off their line yet came away with nothing. Then we gave away too many penalties, and for a team who should have been out of sight when in the lead, it's tough to handle," he added.

"There are some very quiet and disappointed guys in our changing room because they know they had a game for winning out there and didn't win it."

Wasps rugby director Tony Hanks, meanwhile, said both teams had contributed to a pulsating encounter.

"I think it was one of those games where both teams really had a go and played the sport of rugby people want to watch," he said.

"The win lifts us up to sixth in the table, and we showed we are on the right track.

Irish's points came through tries from Daniel Bowden, Paul Hodgson and Paulicia Ion, while Ryan Lamb kicked two penalties and two conversions.

In Sunday's other games, Saracens dug out a gritty 17-13 victory at Bath while Newcastle stunned Gloucester 12-6.

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