Magners League Official Website : Ireland A snatch Churchill Plate

Ulster's Paddy Wallace was in the number 10 shirt for Ireland A

Ireland A snatch Churchill Plate

17 June 2006, 10:33 pm

By Chris Marais

Ireland A secured silverware at the Churchill Cup in Edmonton, Alberta on Saturday after beating England Saxons in a pulsating Plate Final.

The score was 30-27 in favour of the Irish.

Ireland scored three of their tries through driving mauls from lineouts, with England unable to counter the tactic.

Both sides scored four tries, with the lead seesawing late in the second half.

It took a last gasp try deep in injury time from Ronan McCormack to seal the victory for Ireland A, minutes after centre Ben Johnston scored for the Saxons, seemingly to win the game.

But Johnston’s try was not enough and Ireland A stormed back into it as England saw three players go to the sinbin during a goal line stand.

As Ireland cranked up the pressure and went over for the try, a brawl kicked off which illustrated how much both sets of players wanted the win.

The game took a while to warm up, with one long injury break in the first half, before coming alive in the second period, as both teams fronted up.

England had plenty of ball and territory, but couldn’t find the extra gear to shake off an abrasive and committed Ireland performance

It was great win for Ireland's seconmd string and for the players, it’s time for a rest before gearing up for next season’s Celtic League.