IRELAND, beaten 43-11 by France in their last match, game a morale boosting 24-19 win over England at Iffley Road, Oxford last night.

The Irish students were superior in almost every phase of the game.

Their forwards dominated and Owen Cobbe and Robin Saverimutto were reliable half backs.

Richard Butland kicked an early penalty for England and John Ufton, who took over the place kicking, added two more before the interval.

Ireland replied with a pushover try after nine minutes touched down by Saverimutto and converted by Cobbe, who also landed a penalty.

The visitors quickly increased the lead in the second half when prop Clement Boyd went over from a tap penalty and Cobbe added the points. Rob Leach replied with England's only try which Ufton converted.

The best try of the match resulted from a clean catch by Charlie Simpson at a lineout and Barry McConnell got the touchdown after a 15 metre rolling maul. Cobbe converted.