Under-19 Rugby World Championships/Ireland 13 Scotland 12:It took a last-gasp try by Ireland centre Eoin O'Malley to salvage hopes of winning a place in the semi-finals of the IRB Under-19 World Championships at Ravenhill last night.
Following their defeat to Australia last Thursday, victory was imperative for the host nation, and they secured it in the most dramatic way possible, O'Malley being driven over by his pack deep into injury time after Ireland had been held up three times over the line in a frenetic finale.
The conversion from in front of the posts by Ireland outhalf Scott Deasy, the last kick of the game, secured a priceless win for Charlie McAleese's side ahead of their final pool match, against South Africa on Friday.
Victory over the Springboks, who went down 17-8 to France in the first game at Ravenhill yesterday, would likely secure a top-four billing.
Scotland looked to have edged to a first win of their campaign when centre Stephen McColl slotted his fourth penalty just six minutes from time to re-establish a six-point lead, the visitors having deservedly gone into the break with a 9-3 lead.
Ireland raised their game after the restart, but had only a second penalty by Deasy to show for their efforts when McColl's final kick went over. Yet roared on by a crowd of 6,368, Ireland would not accept defeat.
After a superb cover tackle by Jamie Smith had prevented Scotland wing Lee Jones touching down following an intercept break by outhalf Ruairidh Jackson, Ireland launched a desperate assault. A clinical back-line move looked to have created a try but Niall Morris's pass to Paddy Brophy went astray.
Ireland continued to force. Deasy kicked a penalty to the corner, and from the maul the Irish pack when three times, only to be held up over the line.
Ireland hammered away at the Scottish line and the breakthrough came when O'Malley was driven over under the posts, Deasy adding the crucial extras to cap a sensational triumph.
In other games yesterday, New Zealand beat Japan 107-6, Wales beat Samoa 33-20, England beat Argentina 17-15 and Australia beat Fiji 23-12.
SCORING SEQUENCE:4 mins: S Deasy pen, 3-0; 10: S McColl pen, 3-3; 31: McColl pen, 3-6; 35: McColl pen, 3-9; 46: Deasy pen, 6-9; 64: McColl pen, 6-12; 70: E O'Malley try, Deasy con, 13-12.
IRELAND:A Craig: N Morris, E O'Malley, C Cleary, P Brophy; S Deasy, H McAleese; P Karayiannis, S Douglas, M Nelson; B Cawley, I Nagle; K Essex, R Riley, P Ryan. Replacements: P McCabe for Nelson (19 mins), J Smith for Cleary (35 mins), P Mallon for Riley (48-50, 60 mins).
SCOTLAND:M Allan; L Jones, C Kinloch, S McColl, T Bury; R Jackson, R Samson; G Strain, A Duncan, J Stafford; N Patrick, J Brown; F McKenzie, K Bryce, A Wukovits. Replacements: C Simmonds for Patrick (65 mins). Sinbinned: A Duncan.
Referee: J Pritchard (Australia).