Wales U-20 6 Ireland U-20 9: The Irish under-20s rounded off their Six Nations campaign with a narrow win over Wales tonight but were unable to capture the title as France defeated Italy 43-10 to seal the championship.
Last weekend’s loss in Scotland may have ultimately cost Allen Clarke’s side in the greater scheme of things but Ireland were determined to bow out on a positive note and scraped home thanks to three penalties from Andrew Burke.
The outhalf, a late addition to the side as Ian Madigan was moved to fullback to cover for David Kearney, kicked all three of his successful attempts in the first 22 minutes but was unable to stretch the lead and missed three more kicks at goal.
Nevertheless, Ireland’s dogged defence held firm under immense Welsh pressure with two Jason Tovey penalties all they had to show for their efforts.
Wales U-20: J Tovey; J Loxton, S Williams (J Leadbetter 57), A Beck, N Reynolds (R Downes 73); D Langdon (M Jarvis 64), T Knoyle; A Coundley, R Williams, S Andrews, J King, A Sweet, J Thomas, R Pitman, J Tipuric (capt). Replacements not used: C Attwell, S Gardiner, R Jenkins, J Navidi
Ireland U-20: I Madigan; R O'Mahony, S Gahan, E Sheridan, M Keating; A Burke, M Healy (C Murray 64); J McGrath, T Sexton, A Macklin (P McAllister 55); C Ruddock, J Sandford (M Flanagan 60); R Ruddock, P O'Mahony (capt), D Ryan. Replacements not used: D McGregor, M Noone, I McKinley.
