IRELAND'S youngsters emulated their senior counterparts, emerging from a roller-coaster schools international at Maesteg on Saturday with confidence and pride restored. under the shrewd leadership of centre Shane Moore, the Irish boys responded to defeat against England by showing the character and flair required to quell a considerable Welsh challenge.

In a game of remarkable fluctuation, Ireland set the standard by scoring 11 points before the Welsh could settle, including the opening try by prop, Nigel Brady and two penalties from Brian O'Driscoll.

The Welsh were in no mood to lie down, however, and forged into a 13-11 interval lead, courtesy of tries by speedy right wing, Daniel Rogers and full back Cerith Rees.

When centre Rhys Williams put the finishing touch to a sweeping Welsh attack just after the restart, the prospect of an Irish victory seemed to be rapidly receding.

Although number eight Christopher McCarey, pounced for an opportunist narrow side score, the odds still favoured the hosts after Rogers outwitted and outpaced the Irish defence to cross for his second try.

But in a final, dramatic twist, a driving score by flanker Andrew Hughes sandwiched two further penalty goals by O'Driscoll to complete a remarkable comeback.