Wales U20 off to winning start

North Wales born Dion Jones scored Wales’ only try and fly half Sam Davies kicked 12 points as Danny Wilson’s side ground out a 17-15 victory. 

Inspirational scrum half Luke McGrath went over for Ireland as did centre Tom Daly but it was not enough.

Wales dominated possession in the early exchanges and should have been 10 points to the good inside the first 15 minutes.

Davies missed two early penalties, either side of what was a clear try scoring opportunity.

Inside their own 22, Sion Bennett broke clear and fed fellow back rower Daniel Thomas. With Thomas rushing clear and full back Jones on his inside, the opening score looked certain.

Sadly for the 4,000 strong home crowd, the pass went astray and the chance was lost.

Davies finally found his kicking boots to give Wales a 3-0 lead but Wales were made to pay for failing to take their chances.

After being under the cosh during the opening quarter, Ireland took the lead from their first real opportunity. With their powerful pack to the fore, the Welsh defence struggled to cope with phase after phase and scrum half McGrath darted over for the opening try on his 20th birthday.

Daly added the conversion from wide out as Mike Ruddock’s side went into a 7-3 lead.

Against a well organised Irish pack, Wales were holding their own up front but after half an hour, had turned over possession six times as they struggled get back into things.

And although they dominated most of the territory and possession, Davies missed his third kick at goal as Wales went into the break with a four point deficit.

Wales nearly went further behind at the start of the second half when centre Rory Scannell broke through. Thankfully for the home side, prop Nicky Thomas made a great covering tackle and scrum half Rhodri Williams cleared.

Davies then narrowed the deficit to a single point with his second successful penalty before a long range effort from half way fell wide.

Despite the miss, Wales were starting to enjoy themselves in possession and when Irish prop Chris Taylor was yellow carded, Danny Wilson’s side made the most of the man advantage.

With Ruddock opting to replace a back to maintain a full eight in the scrum, Wales had the advantage out wide and when Davies spread the ball left, north Wales product Jones dived over.

Davies’ conversion hit the bar but the fly half soon added a third penalty as Wales led 14-7 on the hour.

Ireland soon responded with a sustained period of pressure and although the Welsh defence initially held firm, they were finally breached following the sin binning of Thomas.

It was Daly who went over but the centre was unable to add the conversion.

Davies then kicked his fourth penalty to extend his side’s cushion and although Daly replied to make it 17-15, the Welsh defence held out to seal the win.