Narrow Defeat for Under 21s in Coventry.

Simon Keogh (UCC) scored two tries for Ireland Under 21s in their narrow defeat by England in Coventry. The Irish, beaten by an injury time try last time out, led on two occasions but in the end went down to a late try from centre James Simpson-Daniel whose centre partner Alex Crockett (Bath) scored two tries.

Ian Humphreys converted Keogh’s first try before injury forced him to retire. Conrad O’Sullivan took over the kicking duties, converted the second try and added three penalties.

ENGLAND. A Winnan (Saracens); J Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), A Ballig (Leicester), A Crocket (Bath), T Boyce (Boyce); O Barkley (Bath), H Ellis (Leicester); N Cox (Gloucester), J Roddam (Harlequins), M Irish (Gloucester), S Hooper (Saracens), M Purdy (Wasps), J Forrester (Gloucester), S Scaysbrook (Bath), M Soden (Northampton, Capt).

IRELAND. S Young (Ballymena); M McPhail (UL Bohemians), B Lynn (St Mary’s), C O’Sullivan (UCC), C McPhillips (St Mary’s); I Humphreys (Ballymena), B O’Riordan (UCD); J Lyne (Lansdowne), K Corrigan (UCD), B Young (Ballymena), S Keogh (UCC), M McCullough (Ballymena, Capt), D Leamy (UCC), N McMillan (Ballymena), R Wilson (Dublin University).

Replacement. P Devlin (Sale) for Humphreys 24 mins.

Referee. D Changeling (Scotland)