FOLLOWING the worthy precepts laid down by the under 21 team earlier in the day, the Ireland A side ended what has been a long and barren spell at this level their last win was against Wales in 1993 when at Donnybrook yesterday they dealt most effectively with the challenge presented by Scotland to record a thoroughly deserved win.
Ireland manager Pat Whelan, who watched both matches, put events into perspective when he said "Not alone are the results very satisfactory but what was even more pleasing was the level of the performances in so many respects." To crown a great day for Ireland, the Universities also defeated their Scottish counterparts yesterday.
There were smiles of satisfaction and no doubt some element of relief in the Ireland A team dressing room after their win. Scotland had beaten Ireland three times in succession at this level. While they provided worthy opposition yesterday, and staged a late rally that yielded eight points, they did not really seriously threaten to erase the 15 points lead Ireland had built by the 57th minute.
It was a most enjoyable match watched by a crowd of 4,500 who saw an especially good opening period on a surface made heavy by morning rain. But the treacherous conditions did not deter the teams from exploring the possibilities in the running game when opportunity beckoned.
Ireland coach Dave Haslett was generous in his praise for his team and the overall performance after the match and it was well merited. "Bearing in mind that this side came together for the first time last Saturday and the limited preparation we had, I thought it was a really good team performance. I am very happy with the result and the players deserved it. I think they showed a great level of application, commitment and awareness that reflects well on their attitude."
While Haslett would have liked to see Ireland win more line out ball here the Scots had the vastly experienced Damien Cronin to make his experience pay and his presence felt the Ireland pack played extremely well. Malcolm O'Kelly and Davy Tweed did win some line out possession but it was in the other facets that Ireland really imposed themselves up front. The scrummaging was excellent and their superiority in this respect led to a penalty try first put the match out of reach for the Scots.
The effective mauling and play in the loose were also important in establishing the overall level of superiority. No one in the Ireland pack played better than flanker Victor Costello, who gave further evidence that he is developing into a quality player. He got very able support.
The Irish backs also did well and defended with resolution and purpose when the need arose and centre Sean McCahill was especially effective in this respect. John Gallagher did as well as one could reasonably expect bearing in mind his limited match practice and the Ireland half backs Alain Rolland and David Humphreys were a smooth combination.
Simon Mason put Ireland six points up with two early penalty goals and then Scotland scored a fine try when they cut through the Irish midfield defence with Graham Shiel making the break that enabled wing John Kerr to score. No similar latitude was allowed subsequently. Ireland's forceful mauling led to a try from Paul Wallace, who had a fine match, and a third penalty from Mason saw Ireland go 14-5 in front. Then Mason intercepted a pass from Kerr to run 40 yards for an opportunist try to leave Ireland 19-5 ahead at half time.
Ireland weathered early Scottish pressure in the second half but Welsh did kick two penalties to cut the deficit before referee Pearson awarded Ireland a penalty try after Scotland deliberately collapsed a scrum near their posts in the 57th minute. Mason converted and Ireland led 26-11.
A penalty by Welsh and an injury time try by Peter Walton, who had a very good match on the flank for Scotland, were some reward for Scotland's perseverance.
