Smart Rugby Wins it for Exiles

The Irish Exiles took on a very physical and big Welsh Exiles U20’s side on Sunday past. The winning margin to the Irish of 24-7 does not truly reflect the quality of rugby played by the U19’s. While even the Welsh lavished much praise on the quality of the Irish back line, the foundation for this victory came from the forwards. Heavily outweighed by their older opponents, the Irish 8 overcame this disadvantage by smarter rugby and superior technique. Their body positions, as they drove the Welsh back in rolling mauls, was textbook. In defence, their organisation and willingness to hit hard in the tackle frustrated the Welsh. In attack they maintained continuity and always asked questions of the Welsh defence by running some excellent angles. Both the centres, John Hill and Simon Ward, picked up tries, while left wing Luke Clogher scored a brace of tries in a good afternoon’s work.

All the players, born in either England or Wales, have aspirations to play for Ireland and were pleased that some members of the Ireland U19 coaching and management team had travelled across to watch the game.

Irish Exiles. Chris Meehan (Leeds), Luke Clogher (Yorkshire), John Hill (Wasps), Simon Ward (London Irish), Paul Lidster (Bristol), Joe Bryans (Oxford University), Robbie Shaw (Wasps), John Coleman (London Irish), Daniel McGee (Cardiff), Ollie Buckland (Portsmouth University), John Lock (Wasps), Iain Griffin (Llandovery College), Tommy Lyons (Somerset), John-Paul Filler (Wasps), John Ruxton (Bath University).

Replacements. Pat Benson (Colstons), Chris Allum (St. Benedicts), Erion and Neil Welsh (Midlands), Jonathan Hickie (Cheshire).

Scorers. Tries: Simon Ward, John Hill and Luke Clogher (2). Conv: Joseph Bryan (2).