Teens lose to Ireland (From Free Press Series)

Teens lose to Ireland

AFTER Grand Slam success was secured against Ireland by the senior side two weeks ago, Wales Under-18s attempted to make it a double victory when they too hosted their counterparts from the Emerald Isle at Pontypool Park.

But unfortunately it wasn't to be, as a strong Irish outfit convincingly beat Wales, eventually running out 33-13 winners.

Ireland were rampant in the first half, Shane Hanratty and Russian-born Vasily Artemiev crossed as fly half Brian Collins added 13 points with the boot. Wales could only manage six points in response - two penalties from Rhys Priestland.

The home side did rally in the second half though and restricted Ireland to only one try, scored by skipper David Pollock and registered one of their own through Swansea College full-back Leigh Bevan.

Wales team manager Ron Shottle said: "If I was to be honest I was expecting a closer game if not a win.

"But The Irish boys were a very strong outfit and thoroughly deserved their victory."

Wales Under 18s play their final international of the season, against England, at Neath on Saturday, when a number of players from the January 1 squad will also be included.

"We'll have a stronger squad ahead of the England match," said Shottle. "And I think that's going to be a very different game.

"I'm expecting a win and, if the boys approach the game in the right way, I'm sure they can do it," he added.