King bags brace to keep Ireland on course for Grand Slam
ENGLAND 27
IRELAND 42
DAIRE WALSH
STONEX STADIUM
Ireland are on course for a second U-20 Six Nations Grand Slam in the space of four years after Richie Murphy’s outfit recorded a magnificent 15-point victory against England at StoneX Stadium this evening.
Thanks in no small part to a brace of tries from replacement winger Aitzol King, Ireland came out on top of a pulsating encounter at the home of Saracens FC. Following previous wins over Wales, France and Italy, another triumph at the expense of Scotland will seal a clean sweep of Championship honours for 2022.
Ireland had endured a difficult opening to the proceedings, with a converted George Hendy try and a Jamie Benson moving England 10 points in front with as many minutes on the clock.
Ireland finally got up and running through Charlie Tector’s routine place kick, however, and subsequently restored parity when scrumhalf Matthew Devine pounced on a loose ball to sprint over for his third try in this year’s Championship.
There was little to separate the two sides for much of a frantic opening period and with Ireland flanker Lorcan McLoughlin and English No 8 Emeka Ilione both claiming converted efforts, they were inseparable at the interval (17-17).
Yet, like their cross-channel rivals in the first half, the pumped-up Irish registered 10 unanswered points on the resumption.
Tighthead prop Rory McGuire touched down in clinical style to the right of the posts and another precision Tector place-kick offered the visitors further breathing space in the 55th minute.
While England fired back with their third try of the evening from Cassius Cleaves, the inspired introduction of King just past the hour mark ultimately placed the outcome beyond doubt.
Following a superb one-handed finish to secure an Irish bonus point in the 62nd minute, the Balbriggan man added another score just five minutes later – despite the best efforts of a retreating English defence to force him into touch.
Deago Bailey made sure England ended the contest with four tries to their name, but this couldn’t spoil an outstanding evening in London for this young Irish side.
Scorers – England: G Hendy, E Ilione, C Cleaves, D Bailey try each, J Benson pen, 2 cons. Ireland: A King 2 tries, M Devine, L McLoughlin, R McGuire try each, C Tector 2 pens, 3 cons.
England: G Hendy; D Bailey, J Cusick (W Joseph 48), E Grayson, C Cleaves; J Benson (L Johnson 48), S Edwards (N Thomas 70); F Baxter (M Dormer 72), J Stewart (F Theobald-Thomas 80), T Hoyt (M Summerfield 64); L Chessum, T Lockett (C Cunningham-South 48); E Richards, T Knight (L Brooke 56), E Ilione.
Ireland – P Campbell; C Mullins (A King 61), J Postlethwaite, B Carson, F Gibbons; C Tector (T Butler 72), M Devine (E Coughlan 59); J Boyle (O Michel 75), J McCormick (J Hanlon 70), R McGuire (S Wilson 70); C O’Tighearnaigh, M Morrissey (J McNabney 73); L McLoughlin (D Mangan 72), R Crothers, J Culhane.
Referee: D Schneider (UAR).