ENGLAND ended the Ireland Schools' 12 match winning run at Lansdowne Road on Saturday night with a 16-9 victory. Having already beaten France, the English students will be hoping to achieve what eluded their elder brethren - a Grand Slam.

Fonard power was the key to England's victory. It was not, however, until injury time that it was assured when their outside hall, Jonathan Wilkinson kicked a penalty to leave his side seven points clear.

The current Ireland Schools side does not have the depth or the physical attributes of last season's outstanding team. But what this side does have is immense resilience and bravery. England had an immense advantage in height and weight up front. That the Ireland team led 9-8 with just eight minutes remaining is a great tribute to the magnificent defence they offered against England's powerful pack.

There is also attacking talent in the Ireland back line - the Irish backs also defended with great purpose - but, unfortunately, they did not get enough quality possession to let their talents pay dividends.

England started the match as if they would demolish the Irish pack and for the opening 20 minutes, they has the Ireland line under siege. Yet the defence was superb and tackle after tackle went in. The back row of Neil Coughlan, Christopher McCarey and especially Andrew Hughes did not yield an inch and at their heels Ciaran Scally defended very well.

England missed two penalties as, time after time, their attempts to break down the Irish defence were repulsed. Garret Lloyd won some very good line out ball to help ease the pressure no Ireland and the pack as a unit fought a very worthy battle in containment.

Then a great break by outside half Andy Dunne relieved the pressure and Ireland got a penalty in the 25th minute. Left wing Derek McCombe kicked the goal from 33 yards to give Ireland the lead. Ireland held the advantage to the interval.. Bearing in mind the English territorial superiority, it was a remarkable scoreline.

Six minutes after the interval, Ireland stretched the advantage when McCombe kicked a second penalty. Said Ireland coach Keith Patton: "Ireland defended superbly. Eventually, it took its toll. We are disappointed but I was very pleased with the bravery and the commitment."

The second half was more even territorially and Ireland had some good rucking and mauling. Ireland lost Scally early in the half and his strength and experience were a loss. However, his replacement, Bobby Quigley, did well.

England's first try was unfortunate as Ireland lost possession in midfield. England's accomplished right wing, Lee Best, started the attack that enabled centre Simon Brading to score a try in the left corner. That came in the 45th minute and then Wilkinson kicked a penalty to put England ahead for the first time seven minutes later.

Yet within two minutes, McCombe kicked his third goal for Ireland after Brian O'Driscoll was wide with a dropped goal attempt. Ireland led 9-8.

England's main strength was in the power of the forwards and that was demonstrated when England regained the lead and got their second try in the 62nd minute when, after a line out, they drove forward and that opened the way for Best to get in wide on the right.

That was note converted but England led 13-9 with eight minutes to go. Ireland fought on gallantly but England ended the match on tee attack and Wilkinson kicked the injury time penalty.