Sport

England give Ireland hard lessons

Ireland U-20 Development 13 England U-19 Academies 31: IF THIS was a learning process for the Irish players, their coach Colin…

DES BERRY at Anglesea Road
Fri Dec 31 2010 - 00:00

Ireland U-20 Development 13 England U-19 Academies 31:IF THIS was a learning process for the Irish players, their coach Colin McEntee was on the end of some expensive lessons.

The Irish got out of the blocks well with their captain Conor Gilsenan taking out England wing Curtis Wilson in a brutal, but fair tackle. They moved into the lead when outhalf Cathal Marsh flew down the blindside to cut inside the last defender in the 16th minute.

In response, England unleashed their big runners in the wider channels. It paid dividends when, first, openside Chris Walker plunged for the line at the end of the first quarter and, second, number eight Will Skuse forced his way over from a quick tap penalty by scrumhalf Dan Robson. Outhalf George Ford converted the former for a 12-5 edge at the interval.

Even though JJ Hanrahan reduced the deficit to four with a penalty, the bulk and power of the English in close and speed on the outside took its toll. Openside Chris Walker powered over for his second, centre Elliot Daly scooted around the outside for their fourth and left wing Charlie Walker came off his left foot for their fifth before Ireland openside Aaron Connelly got a late consolation.

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IRELAND U-20 DEVELOPMENT: M Sherlock (Clontarf); M Corballis (St Michael’s), P Nelson (Royal Dungannon), J J Hanrahan (UL-Bohemian), S Layden (Cistercian, Roscrea); C Marsh (Trinity College), K Marmion (University of Wales); R Jablonski (London Irish), N Scannell (Dolphin), K McCall (Ballynahinch), D O’Shea (Crosshaven), I Henderson (Queen’s University), C Gilsenan (Clongowes Wood, capt), A Conneelly (Corinthians), J Conan (St Gerard’s). Replacements: S Buckley (Garryowen) for O’Shea (30 mins (temp) and 50 mins); D Merrey (Clontarf) for Jablonski (49 mins); S Murphy (Gonzaga) for Layden (55 mins); C Spence (Queen’s University) for Marmion (56 mins); S O’Connell (London Irish) for Conan (58 mins); J Murphy (Banbridge) for Henderson (60 mins); D Higgins (Gallen CS) for McCall, J Carty (Buccaneers) for Marsh (both 68 mins).

ENGLAND U-19 ACADEMIES: B Ransom; C Wilson, E Daly, R Mills, C Walker; G Ford (capt), D Robson; N Auterac, W Tanner, A Brennan, G Merrick, W Carrick-Smith, B Nutley, W Skuse, C Walker. Replacements: J Holmes for Robson (halftime); M Hearn for Auterac, T Bell for Mills (both 51 mins); J Hodgson for Ford, D Lee for Carrick-Smith (both 55 mins); E Waller for Tanner (61 mins). Referee: P Haycock (IRFU).