Ireland A 12 England Saxons 34: Ireland A will have to be content with a play-off against Argentina for the Bowl in the Churchill Cup after defeat to England Saxons in their final group game at Fletcher's Fields, Ontario, this evening.
Allen Clarke will be pleased with the intensity of his side's performance but like their fellow Irishmen in Melbourne this morning, they lacked the cutting edge to convert possession into points.
For much of the game the Irish matched England but the pacy and ruthless Saxons were worthy winners, even if they were slightly flattered by the scoreline.
Bath winger Matt Banahan crossed twice, and further scores from Steffon Armitage, Alex Clarke, Nick Abendanon and Ugo Monye ensured the Saxons will face the Scots in the final.
Ryan Lamb had a disappointing day with the boot for England, only converting two tries, however Ireland rarely looked like capitalising, despite a fine brace from centre Keith Earls.
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