England U21 28 Ireland U21 23
Two tries from UCC’s Stephen Keogh were not enough for Ireland this evening as the Under 21s went down to England at Coventry.
The mobile second-row, who caught the eye against the Welsh a fortnight ago, breached the English line twice to help Ireland come within five points but ultimately the bigger English side emerged victorious.
Bath centre Alex Crockett was the hero for England with a try in each half, the first of them after breaking two tackles and sprinting 40 metres through Ireland’s defence.
Despite Crockett's contribution, Ireland took the game to their hosts in a fast and free flowing contest and dominated for long periods up front.
Indeed, with better handling in the three-quarters the visitors might have avoided a second consecutive narrow defeat at this level.
Ireland twice took the lead through Keogh, the lock driving over from close range for the first before galloping clear after an incisive break from scrum-half Brian O'Riordan for his second touchdown.
But they could not win enough ball in the final quarter to secure victory.
Hooker Kevin Corrigan struggled to find his lineout jumpers and England's dangerous backs clicked again to secure the win.
Sustained pressure created the overlap for Crockett to squeeze over for his second try and England's forwards then secured some good possession, drew in the Irish defence before sending James Simpson-Daniel cut through with a cleverly angled run for the decisive score.
Scorers
England U21: Tries: C. Simpson-Daniel, Crockett 2. Cons: Barkley 2. Pens: Barkley 3.
Ireland U21: Tries: Keogh 2. Cons: O'Sullivan, Humphreys. Pens: O'Sullivan.
Attendance: 2,000