Greece and Canada emerged victorious from the first round of European U19s Shield matches, held at the CREPS Font Romeu high performance facility in the Pyrenees, France yesterday (Sunday).
Alex McGrath, who claimed 18 of Greece’s points, and Jonathon Armatas each registered two tries, the Greeks strong in the second half to win 38-22 after Ireland had led 14-6 at the break, Joseph Gill with two of their five tries along with a double from scrum half Finn Maguire.
Fullback Oliver Lenahan led the way for Canada with three tries and five goals on their debut in the competition as they beat Norway 46-32, Kristoffer Gradert with a brace of tries in response, Joshua Silverstone-Utheim with a try and four goals.
Canada head coach, Stephan Lenahan, commented: “We are so happy to be here and grateful for the opportunity for our players to showcase what we’re building in Canada. To get a win in that fashion is an unbelievable experience for the boys and coaching staff.”
Opposite number Joshua Hornby said: “I’m really proud of the boys, they gave everything, they’ve stepped up, really put their hands up and they are going to keep working hard for this tournament.”
Greece 38
Alex McGrath, Bailey-Dean Latanis, Basili Tzitzivakos, Jack Tsokos, Jonathan Siambis, Jonathon Armatas, Kostas Grivas Tzimopoulos, Leo Valdmanis, Lucas Hanmer, Lukas Kontrafouris, Napoleon Mavrovkefalos, Peter Papoulis, Peter Kokontis
Interchanges: Rafael Macovei, Theodoros Tipene, Timur Agostini-Leland, Vasilis Karageorgiou
Tries: McGrath (31, 46), Tzitzivakos (42), Armatas (49, 72), Hanmer (66), Siambis (70)
Goals: McGrath 4/6
Ireland 22
Bobby Barton, Daniel Ridpath, Dominic Greene, Donncha Fee, Eddy Mcgillan, Ethan Whyte, Finn Maguire, Finn Mclaughlin, Harry Knowles, Ieffi Hannan, Jack Brown, Joseph Gill, Matthew Toothill
Interchanges: Michael Walsh, Oisin Carroll, Rhys Morgan, Richie Whelan
Tries: Maguire (7, 16), Gill (34,53), Barton (60)
Goals: Brown 1/4, Whyte 0/1
Referee: Liam Breheny (England)
Half Time: 6-14
Norway 32
Silas Mjølhus, Matias Tjemsland, Kristoffer Gradert, William Giddings, Filip Naparty, Joshua Silverstone-Utheim, Hakon Sivertsen Lauvsnes, Arian Harbas, Tobias Andresen-Langaas, Odinn Numason, Dag Hansen, Trygve Hansen, Theodor Eidsaune Chongdee
Interchanges: Tobias Auno, Filip Boe, Valentine Mjolhus, Iver Sivertsen Lauvsnes
Tries: Gradert (6, 75), Silverstone-Utheim (25), Andresen-Langaas (29), Numason (50), Giddings (65)
Goals: Silverstone-Utheim 4/6
Canada 46
Oliver Lenahan, Wyatt Klasen, Michael Tsoutsis, Jack Shortis, Jacob Williams, Rory Jago, Jack Smart, Brady Nooski, Elliot Barton, Bogdan Dimitrijevic, Tobias Mennie, Alex Paddle, Noah Bolton
Interchanges: Torin Brooks, Dexter Johnson, Alex Dymock, Patricio Asomoza Estrada
Tries: Lenahan (1, 39, 46), Klasen (14), Williams (32, 44), Asomoza Estrada (41), Barton (60), Jago (79)
Goals: Lenaham 5/9
Referee: Craig Davies (Wales)
Half Time: 14-20