England Schools 8 Ireland Schools 12The Irish schools PSV picked up an excellent scalp last night when they beat England 12-8 at Kingston Park, in Newcastle. After victory over Wales last week, they will be seeking a clean sweep when they travel to France next Saturday.

Barry O'Mahony got Ireland's opening try before half-time, which was converted by Robert Kearney.

They stretched their lead to 12 points midway through the second half when hooker Seán Cronin crossed out wide after good build-up play from the excellent Duncan Williams.

English full back Ryan Davis reduced the deficit with a penalty but they failed to breach the visitors' line until Joe Ansbro touched down late on.

The victory had its roots in some staunch defending from the Irish, typified by the centre pairing of Tom Gleeson and Darren Cave, while the back row produced a solid display.

Scorers: Ireland - B O'Mahony, S Cronin tries, R Kearney con. England: R Davis pen, J Ansbro try.

IRELAND: R Kearney (Clongowes Wood College); R Drysdale (Belfast Royal Academy), T Gleeson (PBC Cork), D Cave (Sullivan Upper School), P Shallow (Rockwell College); C Doyle (Ard Scoil Rís), D Williams (CBC Cork); T O'Kane (St Gerard's School), S Cronin (Ard Scoil Rís), P Collins (Templeogue College); J Cornett (Royal School Armagh), D Toner (Castleknock College); D Laffan (Blackrock College, capt), B O'Mahony (Crescent College), D Pollock (Royal School Dungannon). Replacements: J Shortt (CBC, Cork) for Drysdale; D O'Reilly (Blackrock College) for Cornett; L Casey (Ard Scoil Rís) for Collins.