London Irish: Alex Lewington wary of relegation fight

Lewington joined London Irish after coming through Leicester's academy

London Irish winger Alex Lewington says the team must address their poor home form if they are to avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.

The Exiles are next to bottom of the Premiership, but are 11 points clear of win-less London Welsh.

They have not won at home this season and host Gloucester on Sunday.

"We need to start winning at home, otherwise we'll be getting into a relegation battle," 23-year-old Lewington told BBC Radio Berkshire.

"There is not a massive panic, it's just a case that this is a game we need to be winning,"

While the Exiles have struggled at home, they have registered victories on the road against Newcastle and Leicester.

"It's been a bit of mixed bag really," said Lewington, who has made the number 14 shirt his own this season.

"We've had a few good wins and a few bad losses. On a personal level it's gone quite well and I'm in a better place than this time last year."

Lewington admitted Irish have been below their best in the last two games, a 36-8 defeat at Sale followed by a 33-22 home loss against Bath.

"Last weekend the commitment was there but we weren't accurate enough and hopefully you'll see a bit of a backlash this weekend.

"It'll be an interesting game between two teams desperate for a win.

"The key for us this week is to get a better start in the game, set a platform, get on the front front and really put down a marker in that first half," he said.