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Ireland Rugby
U20: A Friendly Run-Out Against the Ravens (18-10)
Ulster Ravens applied pressure in the second half to score a deserved victory against the Ireland U20 side yesterday.
IRELAND UNDER-20s 10 ULSTER RAVENS 18, UCD
Scorers: Ireland U-20: Tries: Simon Zebo, John Cooney
Ulster Ravens: Tries: Penalty try, Craig Gilroy; Con: Paddy Robinson; Pens: Paddy Robinson 2
After a fairly even start the home side took the lead in the 23rd when Cork Constitution winger Simon Zebo swept across the line from a move that started in the Irish 22, Brian Kingston failed to convert. Shortly afterwards Ryan was sin-binned for infringements at the breakdown, allowing Ravens to pile on the pressure resulting in an unconverted penalty try just before half time.
Early play was scrappy in the second half, a penalty in the 51st put the Ravens ahead briefly before an excellent unconverted try by John Cooney, 10-8.
A disallowed try in the 59th by the Under-20s looked to put them ahead before one of the assistants flagged that a punch had been thrown in the ruck. The final quarter saw the Under-20s move the ball around more only for disaster to strike and Craig Gliroy intercepted on the half way to get a try under the posts, allowing an easy conversion for the Ravens. Ravens lead 15-10.
A final penalty by Robinson in the 73rd wrapped things up 18-10.
The management should take much from this game despite the loss, as a preparation for the Under 20s’ Six Nations campaign starting against Italy on Friday February 5th.