JUSTIN Burnell hailed the enthusiasm and battling spirit shown by his London Welsh players, who pushed Harlequins close, despite slipping to their 12th defeat in the Aviva Premiership, writes SIMON WILLIAMS.

Welsh still had hopes of gaining their first win until eight minutes from time, when their defence was caught napping and Tom Williams went over for the visitors’ decisive, fourth try.

Burnell said: “Even when it was 72 minutes, 17-13 and we were in the ascendancy – then it was just a mistake.”

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The Exiles head coach praised the players’ “fantastic enthusiasm” in all areas, but was left ruing missed chances early in the game to score tries.

But he added: “I guess we would be more concerned if we weren’t in those areas to make those mistakes.

“Unfortunately those mistakes did happen. There were three clear missed opportunities.”

Burnell was annoyed by referee John-Paul Doyle’s decision not to stop play for a nasty injury to hooker Nathan Vella, which allowed Quins to score their first try.

Burnell: “It’s a very serious injury. You can make your own opinions, but it certainly had a bearing on the game and the boy’s in hospital now.”

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