England U-20s 20-9 Ireland U-20s:England slammed the Grand Slam door firmly shut on Ireland at Adams Park this evening, dominating from start to finish to not only deny the visitors the clean sweep but claim the Six Nations title for themselves in the process.
The writing was on the wall from the outset as Mike Ruddock’s side had barely time to draw breath before England fullback Anthony Watson opening the scoring with a stunning try of pace and power after just 40 seconds.
England threatened to overwhelm the green shirts in the opening quarter but were made to wait until the 16th minute for a second try, scrumhalf Dan Robson strolling over after a well-executed set play. Ireland outhalf Paddy Jackson did manage two first half penalties but the England’s lead of 15-6 was barely a reflection of their dominance.
And when Marland Yarde barged his way over the shortly after the break any lingering hopes of a comeback were snuffed out although, to their immense credit, Ireland fought tooth and nail until the bitter end.
England U20:A Watson (London Irish); M Yarde (London Irish), W Addison (Sale), R Mills (Gloucester), C Walker (Harlequins); T Heathcote (Bath), D Robson (Gloucester); A Hepburn (Wasps), K Britton (Gloucester), K Sinckler (Harlequins); T Price (Leicester), D Barrow (Leeds); M Kvesic (Worcester), C Walker (Leeds, capt), J Clifford (Harlequins). Replacements:L Cowan-Dickie for Hepburn, G Merrick for Barrow (both 47mins); B Spencer for Robson (60mins); D Sisi for Walker (64mins); N Morris for Britton (65mins); R Harrison for Sinckler (65mins).
Ireland U20:S Layden (Connacht); C Finn (Connacht), C Farrell (Ulster), JJ Hanrahan (Munster), F Horan (Leinster); P Jackson (Ulster, capt), L McGrath (Leinster); D Merrey (Leinster), N Scannell (Munster), K McCall (Ulster); I Henderson (Ulster), D Qualter (Connacht); C Gilsenan (Leinster), A Conneely (Connacht), J Conan (Leinster). Replacements:S Olding for Layden (47mins); T Beirne for Qualter (48mins); J Coghlan for Conneely (60 mins); J Rael for Scannell (65mins); K Marmion for McGrath (66mins); C Marsh for Jackson (61mins); P Reilly for Merrey (72mins).
Referee:C Blessano (Italy)
Attendance:3,885
