Ireland dream shattered by Williams masterclass

WALES U20s edged a highscoring affair as they beat Ireland at Parc Eirias in Colwyn Bay.

The bonus-point success saw the sides produce an eight-try feast, Wales scoring five through a brace from centre Keiran Williams and further efforts from Corrie Tarrant and Dane Blacker.

Williams’ two tries took him to five for the tournament and saw him secure a second successive man-ofthe-match award.

Wales ended previously unbeaten Ireland’s Grand Slam bid as fly-half Ben Jones booted 14 points from the tee and replacement Jack Pope rumbled over for a late fifth.

An entertaining first period ended 24-13 in favour of the home side with both teams playing an expansive brand of running rugby.

Wales started with a bang through an early Jones penalty, before Ireland ran a poor home kick back with real intent. Fullback Jordan Larmour started the counterattack, sprinting towards the touchline and finding Calvin Nash in support to waltz over the line.

Fly-half Bill Johnston converted, before Wales hit back with two quick scores.

First, hooker Tarrant cut a lovely line from a Jones pass to cross and then a Corey Baldwin breakaway ended with scrum-half Blacker scoring the second.

Johnston struck the post with a shot at goal, but was on the money with two further penalties to narrow the Irish deficit to just four points.

Wales ended the half with captain Williams scoring with a brilliant individual effort.

As he had done at the start of the game, Jones began the second period with a penalty. But the seesaw encounter continued as Ireland levelled within 10 minutes.

Two quick pushover tries from forwards Joey Conway and Paul Doyle set up a tight final quarter before Ireland’s Conor Fitzgerald saw yellow for a technical foul.

Centre Williams second try was as good as his first and although Jones was suffering with a leg knock, he added the extras to the bonus-point score before Pope rounded off the win.