England World Cup players Delon Armitage and Shontayne Hape made a big impact on a five-point win that maintains the interest of London Irish in the LV= Cup.

England full-back Armitage capped a fine game by scoring a try, while debutant centre Hape's break in the final quarter set up the try which killed off Newcastle's brave challenge.

Dan Bowden played his part, scoring 13 second-half points after coming off the bench for fly-half Steven Shingler, while Alan Thompstone's second try ensured Irish earned the bonus point.

Both teams made it clear from the outset that caution would play little or no role in their approach as attack and counter-attack saw the ball repeatedly moved through hands.

Newcastle had the edge during the early exchanges, pinning the hosts back and seeing Rikki Sheriff's burst for the line foiled when he knocked on in the tackle when over the line.

The visitors took a deserved lead on 15 minutes when sustained phases inside the Irish 22 sucked in their cover before centre Jamie Helleur was released to sprint over wide on the right.

Irish responded within four minutes, driving the ball into the visitors' area where Jonathan Joseph's clever reverse pass sent Thompstone powering over the line. Steve Shingler's conversion edged them a point in front.

Back came Newcastle for Jeremy Manning to kick a penalty, but Shingler quickly replied with two.

Irish finished the half on top and Shingler increased their lead with a penalty for a ruck offence on 40 minutes.

Manning struck a post with a drop goal attempt seconds into the second half, then booted a penalty into touch as Newcastle forced the Exiles to defend in depth just feet from their line.

They were rewarded on 49 minutes when a succession of phases created a two-on-one wide on the right and Greg Goosen chose to go for it, scoring close to the posts.

Manning converted and added a penalty in the 53rd minute to regain the lead.

Dan Bowden, on for Shingler at half-time, kicked a penalty for Irish and they scored their second try three minutes later.

Jamie Gibson's break sparked the pressure and when Bowden fired a mispass wide right, Armitage was clear to do swan-dive over.

Bowden boomed home a drop goal then finished off a powerful break by Hape. After Thompstone's second, there was just time for hooker Joe Graham to score a consolation try for Newcastle on 80 minutes.