News article – Style E 5613
Click here for photos from the Ireland “A” team’s well-judged win over their English counterparts in Gloucester on Friday night.
Pictured above: Ian Dowling, who was forced out of the team for last month’s defeat to France “A” in Limoges, celebrates scoring a try on his debut for the Ireland “A” team. The 23-year-old former rugby league international turned in a workman-like performance at Kingsholm. Dowling also offloaded for Robert Kearney to scorch over for the clinching try on 72 minutes.
Busy Ireland “A” centre Kieran Lewis tackles England’s Andy Beattie.
Leinster speedster Kieran Lewis tries to get around England “A” number eight Chris Jones. Friday marked Lewis’ third cap at “A” level, adding to his one senior one (V Japan, June 2005), 10 Ireland Under-21 caps and 4 Ireland Schools caps.
Out-half Jeremy Staunton, Ireland’s top scorer on the night with 18 points – a try, two conversions and a penalty – gets sandwiched in a tackle by England “A” duo Tom Palmer (left) and Andy Beattie (right).
England “A” captain and scrum half Shaun Perry comes under pressure from Kieran Lewis.
Ireland “A” skipper Mick O’Driscoll is caught in the thick of the action. O’Driscoll was the official man of the match on Friday night thanks to a tireless display. The long-limbed Corkman has played 74 times for Munster.
**All photos by Tom Honan of Inpho Photography**