Ireland U18 Clubs & Schools Secure Win In Ashbourne

Boosted by three first half tries, the Ireland U18 Clubs & Schools team held off the spirited efforts of England U18 Counties as they won the first of the this week’s two matches at Ashbourne RFC – 29-17.

5 Munster representatives started today – Luke Fitzgerald (Young Munster/Glenstal Abbey), Colin Sisk (CBC), Paddy Kelly (St.Munchin’s College), Mark Fleming (Glenstal Abbey) and Colin Deane (Bandon Grammar) – with Ashley Deane (Bandon Grammar) providing cover from the bench.

Backs Aaron O’Sullivan, Aaron Sexton and captain Bruce Houston all crossed the whitewash as the Ireland youngsters built a 17-0 half-time lead in sunny conditions at the Co. Meath venue

A Thomas Wane effort was cancelled out by full-back O’Sullivan’s second try of the encounter, but the England U-18 Counties side cut the deficit to 10 points (22-12) after Jack Granby had finished off a fast-paced move.

A well-taken score from O’Sullivan’s replacement Oran McNulty – Ireland’s fifth try of the afternoon – settled the issue late on before the visitors had the final say when winger Joseph Tresadern went over in the corner.

A late try from PBC Cork’s Jack O’Sullivan saw Ireland defeat the England U-18 Counties 21-17 twelve months ago, and they were also 30-15 winners of the annual fixture in 2013. The Ireland U-18 squad that drew 23-all with England in Ashbourne back in 2011 contained current professionals Tom Daly, Peter Dooley, Ultan Dillane, Conor Joyce, Eoghan Masterson and Adam Byrne.

Mark Butler’s class of 2017 were drawn from all four provinces as well as a six-strong Exiles contingent, and the 24 players were representing 30 different schools and clubs on the day. Head coach Butler is supported by assistant coach Colm Tucker, scrum coach Adrian Flavin and team manager Michael Black

Although they secured possession inside the English half initially, the Ireland U-18 Clubs & Schools team had to be on their toes in defence. Centre Samuel Stott had a strong carry for the visitors, testing out the hosts’ tackling early on.

However, it was Ireland who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute and Ballymena Academy out-half Houston, who was part of last year’s winning side, played a big part in the try. He combined superbly with Munster centre Luke Fitzgerald whose neat pass sent Wasps representative O’Sullivan racing over from the left wing.

Houston missed the conversion but despite coming under subsequent pressure from the English pack, Ireland managed to extend their lead in the second quarter. Munster and Glenstal flanker Mark Fleming barged through with a strong break and his offload played in supporting winger Sexton for a second unconverted try.

England were finding it difficult to contain the well-drilled Irish attack, and although England’s Stott and full-back Joseph Lane carried effectively at times, a third try arrived for Butler’s charges just before the interval.

Young Munster clubman Fitzgerald, a nicely-balanced player who reads the game well, was an influential figure throughout the first half and he set up his skipper Houston for a seven-pointer underneath the posts.

With a 17-0 deficit to overcome, England quickly got on the front foot as the second period started. Wade Williams and Frederick Barnes were introduced into their front row, and after play was spread wide from an attacking scrum, Matthew Law provided the pass for a powerful try-scoring finish from winger Wane.

Law was off-target with his first shot at the posts and Ireland made sure they were next on the scoreboard. Although a potential score by Rainey Old Boys prop Jack McIntosh was ruled out, they restored their 17-point advantage with 17 minutes left in the game.

An audacious cross-field kick was gathered by Galwegians winger Hugh Lane and O’Sullivan was on hand to break over in the corner for his second try. England hung in there, though, and from the restart, they ran strongly and moved the ball at pace for replacement Granby to touch down.

With both coaches dipping substantially into their reserves, the play was quite open in the closing stages, and it was Bath clubman McNulty who came on for the injured O’Sullivan and successfully squeezed through on the right for Ireland’s fifth and final try.

Houston added an outstanding conversion to make it 29-12 to the hosts before England rounded off the scoring with a sweeping attack that was completed by Tresadern in the left corner. So, an Ireland win, five tries to three, and the promise of much more to come on Easter Saturday.