Noel McNamara’s Ireland Schools gradually found their rhythm to post a four-try victory over Scotland in this U-18 International at Coolmine RFC.
There was a lot to like yesterday about the way Ireland recovered from conceding a fifth-minute penalty to Scotland outhalf Rory Hutchinson, given the visitors were more battle hardened. The Scots had already been through the mill against England where they fell to a 28-6 defeat.
The Irish improved as the minutes moved on, impressive centre Jacob Stockdale following through his own kick for a try in the seventh minute for outhalf Matthew Gilsenan to convert, Hutchinson replied to make it 7-6 at the break.
Fullback Jack Power created the opening for right-wing Calvin Nash in the 45th minute, Gilsenan finding the posts again from the right, as the forwards began assert.
Gilsenan got on the try sheet himself from the sound work of replacement centre Paul Kiernan before the hour.
Captain James Ryan was the standout forward, fullback Power and centre Stockdale the eye catchers in the back line; Stockdale barged over for his second in the in the 61st minute, Gilsenan converted.
