Ireland intend building on opening success

Under-19 World ChampionshipIreland yesterday were still savouring the sweetness of success over England in the opening round of the IRB Under-19 World Championship in Dubai on Wednesday but manager Keith Patton insists his side are not content with only one result.

"There was huge elation after the game but it's only a start. We're not a one-trick pony. We have a group of guys who have set an agenda and they're certainly not going to be satisfied with just one win" said Patton, who was delighted with the messages of support both he and his squad received.

"We got dozens of text messages after the game. It was on TV, so many folk back home would have watched the match. I was very pleased, too, with the big support at the Exiles ground in Dubai. There were a lot of fans out there.

"It's created a great atmosphere and there's nowhere better to be than with a winning Irish team. Irish rugby has had a good couple of months. I hope our victory helps rugby in Ireland stay on a high" he added.

Patton is not surprised that they turned around a 32-9 defeat by England at The Stoop last month to win 17-16 on Wednesday night. "We were screening players at The Stoop and using the match as an experiment. The Stoop was a means, not an end. Since then a number of players have become available for us and that has strengthened the squad.

"We've also been able to develop our game since we played England last month. I think , too, that we got our timing right in terms of preparation and arrival in Dubai. England came out a week earlier and may have suffered from the hanging-about syndrome. The Irish boys were ready for the match."

Training for the squad resumes today after a relaxing day yesterday with recreational recovery at a wild-water centre following a period of necessary study for the schoolboys and students in the group.

"Every day we try to build in one to one-and-half hours for study. All the guys have laptops and are downloading notes from their courses. It's vital especially for the schoolboys who will be going back to sit A-levels. But it also helps to keep their minds focused" said Patton.

One additional leisure activity on offer was a chance to attend the masters soccer in Dubai watching yesterday's stars from Chelsea, Newcastle and Liverpool. "I mentioned to some of our lads that Ian Rush would be playing. They looked at me blankly. But then they're under-19s".