Jenkins scores in England U20 defeat

Sam Worsley also kicked two conversions in his first appearance of the tournament, but it was the hosts who ran out comfortable winners on the night.

Tobias Elliott crossed to give England the lead in a competitive first half but the award of a yellow and red card after the break saw the momentum swing firmly Ireland’s way.

They initially cashed in on their numerical advantage, with three tries in seven minutes before England made it a one-score game through tries from Joe Jenkins and Elliott but a late Ireland score put pay to any hopes of a dramatic turnaround.

A deep kick-off put England under immediate pressure and Ireland kept them boxed in before regaining possession and moving wide to allow Hugh Gavin to dot down in the corner.

A second very nearly followed after a succession of offloads but a superb last-ditch tackle from centre Joseph Woodward denied Fintan Gunne a score.

After weathering the early storm, England hit back with a wonderfully worked try of their own. 

From a lineout on the edge of Ireland's 22, a delayed pass from Monty Bradbury set up wing Elliott for a simple finish under the posts and Sam Harris added the extras.

Ireland then worked their way forward before kicking to the corner from a penalty before No.8 Brian Gleeson powered over to score. Sam Prendergast’s conversion was successful and Ireland led by five at the half hour mark.

They again went to the corner with half time closing in, but an excellent hand from captain Lewis Chessum brought the attack to a halt, allowing England to clear and remain just five points adrift at half time.

It was then England’s turn to fly out the traps after the interval. From the first phase of the second period, lock Chessum charged down Gunne’s attempted box kick and latched onto the loose ball ahead of the retreating Prendergast.

After a close inspection by the TMO, Chessum was adjudged to have knocked on while attempting to ground the ball, meaning Ireland’s 12-7 lead remained unaffected.   

The hosts rallied and were soon back inside the England 22. Elliott was sent to the sin bin for a deliberate knock on and despite another brilliant intervention from Chessum, George Hadden was soon over for Ireland’s third.

Bradbury was then shown a red card for dangerous a tackle on full-back Henry McErlean which saw England temporarily then down to 13.

Harris added a three-pointer but it was one way traffic with Gleeson and Gavin both adding a second try to their personal hauls.

With time running out, Jenkins burst through under the posts before Elliott touched down in the corner for his fifth try of the Championship to leave England just seven points short with three minutes to play.

But hopes of a sensational 14-man comeback were put to bed by a late score from scrum-half Gunne, as Ireland made sure of the Slam.