Irish U21s lose out to England

Ireland Under-21 6 England Under-21 28

England recorded a first victory of their Six Nations campaign this season - despite fly-half Toby Flood suffering a goal-kicking nightmare of Charlie Hodgson proportions.

Newcastle prospect Flood missed eight of his nine kicks – three penalties and five conversions – but England were in a try-hungry mood.

Leicester wing Tom Varndell and Gloucester full-back Olly Morgan both claimed doubles, while Leeds prop Michael Cusack also touched down to confirm an emphatic triumph.

While Hodgson’s radar proved off-target in the defeat against France at Twickenham 12 days ago, so Flood experienced a woeful afternoon.

Six kicks were missed in the first half, so it was just as well England were able to reward their territorial dominance with tries in the opening quarter by Cusack, Varndell and Morgan.

Ireland fly-half Barry Keesham slotted an early penalty to keep his side in touch, and he added another successful kick 15 minutes before the break, but the home side had prop Michael Dissley sin-binned for a technical offence and England changed ends 15-6 ahead.

Ireland hampered their chances of getting back into the game when number eight Stephen Ferris received a yellow card for a reckless tackle on Varndell, and within five minutes of picking himself up from Ferris’ lunge, Varndell was worked away for his second try.

Although Flood continued to miss the target, England were in control at 20-6 ahead entering the closing quarter despite having lock Richard Blaze sin-binned for snaffling possession from an offside position.

Flood finally found his range 13 minutes from time, to ironic cheers from the crowd, and England finished off in style when Morgan touched down as the game entered injury time.

After suffering defeats against Wales and France, England deservedly broke their points duck, but Ireland now have two tough encounters ahead against tournament form-horses France and Wales.