Under-18s Hold Hosts To A Draw

Ireland’s Under-18s almost pulled off an opening day shock at the Four Nations tournament on Saturday, when drawing 13-13 with hosts Wales at Ebbw Vale.

Four Nations: Saturday, March 26
Wales U-18 13 Ireland U-18 13, Ebbw Vale
Scorers: Wales: Tries: Ben Flower, Marcus Johnstone; Pen: Rhys Jones
Ireland: Try: Ian Keatley; Con: Ger Slattery; Pens: Slattery 2

Charlie McAleese’s young side faced a daunting task, with the Welsh reigning champions from last year in Belfast, and incredibly unbeaten at this level since 1999.

However history was put to one side as the Irish led 13-8 at half-time. Two penalties from St Munchin’s College hooker Ger Slattery added to Belvedere fly-half Ian Keatley’s converted try helped the visitors in front.

Yet, having let flanker Ben Flower in for a try before the break, Ireland allowed Wales centre Marcus Johnstone too much lattitude as he struck the only blow of the second half – forcing a draw for the hosts.

McAleese’s charges next face Scotland – who were on the end of a 48-13 hammering at the hands of England at the weekend – at Dunvant RFC tomorrow afternoon.

Wales U-18: A Jenkins; J Lewis, G Maule, M Johnstone, J Norris; R Jones, D Allinson; H Gustafson, M Jones, K Jekins, N Eaves, J Turnbull, L Phillips, B Flower, L Evans.

IRELAND UNDER-18:

(15) Colin Murphy (Belvedere College)
(14) Shane Monahan (Boyne RFC)
(13) Aiden Wynne (Athlone RFC)
(12) Ian Whitten (Wallace High School)
(11) Michael Barker (Bangor Grammar School)
(10) Ian Keatley (Belvedere College)
(9) David Drake (R.B.A.I)
(1) David Millard (Irish Exiles)
(2) Ger Slattery (St Munchin’s College)
(3) Richard Sweeney (St Mary’s College)
(4) Jonathon Graham (Royal School Armagh)
(5) Neilus Keogh (St Munchin’s College)
(6) Kevin Sheehan (St Michael’s College)
(7) David Fenlon (Irish Exiles)
(8) Sean O’Brien (Tullow RFC)

Replacements used: David Mahony (St Michael’s College) for Millard, James McCullough (R.B.A.I) for Graham, Tommy O’Donnell (Clanwilliam RFC) for Fenlon, Jamie Hagan (Balbriggan RFC) for Sweeney. Not used: Dan Lavery (Irish Exiles), Stuart Morrow (Methodist College), Steven Douglas (R.B.A.I).

Coach: Charlie McAleese
Assistant Coach: Terry Kingston
Manager: David Eakin
Assistant Manager: Father Joe Gough

—

Match dates and venues:

Round Two: Tues, March 29: Ireland v Scotland, 2.00pm, England v Wales, 4.00pm, both Dunvant RFC

Round Three: Fri, April 1: England v Ireland, 2.00pm, Wales v Scotland, 4.00pm, both Pontypridd RFC