UNDER-19 INTERNATIONAL

On a perfect day for fast flowing rugby league, Ireland hosted Scotland for their annual Under-19 match. The game took place in Belfast which is an important development area for rugby league in Ireland. Both countries fielded teams who had come through a number of development days and other matches, including the annual Ireland Under 19 Origin match.

The game kicked off in bright sunshine with Ireland having the advantage of the slope and a favourable breeze. Following an Irish knock on, the Scots quickly got on the scoreboard with Fionn O'Donnell scoring close to the post. While the game was always competitive, the Scottish team were rewarded at regular stages for their ability to move the ball around the pitch, both through the hands and from the boot of Matthew Hogg. Further first half tries came from Luke Walters, Patrick Nautch and Davey Dixon with Hogg converting three. 

The game continued in a similar vein in the second half with the Irish competing hard and occasionally threatening the Scotland line but with the Scots superior ball handling and field position resulting in further tries for Archie Andrade, Dixon, Luke Drummond and Max Hutcheon. Nautch completed an excellent hat trick with the last try being a great run past most of the Irish team from well inside the Scotland half. Walters kicked 3 conversions. The Irish were rewarded for their hard work with a well taken try by Connor Creaby on 78 minutes which was converted by Daragh Oxley. 

Scotland Under 19's Head Coach Mark Senter was delighted with the performance: "The guys have put a lot of effort into the under-19 season and they got their reward today. They played hard, aggressive rugby league with an effective, simple structure. All credit to the Irish for staying in the game and getting their reward towards the end of the game."

IRELAND U19
Rob O'Meara, Daragh Oxley, Liam Elsibai, Charlie StauntoN, Nick Coade, Enda Dowling, Ben Caulfield, Aaron Murray, Johnny Dunlop, Johnny Murphy, Connor Creaby, Damage Magee, Richie McHugh. Subs: Daragh McNally, Paddy Healy, Coalan Fitzhenry, Matthew Coulter

SCOTLAND U19

Findlay Graham, Elliott Glynn, Miles Wakeling, Davey Dixon, Patrick Nautch, Archie Andrade, Matthew Hogg, Toby Williams, Luke Walters, Scott Derrick, Fionn O'Donnell, Max Hutcheon, George Kinnaird. Subs: Malcolm Jack, Conor Meikle, Clayton Woods, Luke Drummond