Ireland Clubs sidefall short

Ireland’s Club side came up short against a powerful England Counties performance at Preston Grasshoppers RFC last night.

Three first-half tries for the hosts did most of the damage, although Irish out-half Craig Ronaldson of Lansdowne kept his side in touch at 22-9 down with three penalties.

Cork Con wing Cathal Quinn dotted down for Ireland early in the second half with Ronaldson adding the extras, but it was quickly cancelled out by the Counties’ fourth try which kept the Irish revival at bay. The hosts added a late try to put a gloss on the scoreline.