Whites impress

AS with most of these affairs, Saturday's Irish Youths final trial was more about the performance than the final scoreline. For the record, the Whites recorded a victory by five tries to two at the Aer Lingus RFC Grounds in Dublin.

For their efforts, the entire Whites XV were selected for the Irish Youths squad. Ten of the Blues side made the final cut, while three replacements jumped the queue to national honours.

The 28 man squad will assemble for two squad sessions on the weekends of February 9th and 23rd. Included in the first get together will be a match against the Leinster Under 19s. And their first international test will come against the Welsh Youths at Anglesea Road on March 9th.

The Irish women were no match for their Welsh counterparts in the home international at the Brewery Field, Bridgend, yesterday, losing 32-5.

The Irish forwards were well beaten in scrums, lineouts and loose by the Welsh pack which had been superbly drilled by former international flanker Paul Ringer.

Wales raced into a 22-0 lead in the first half before an interception by Nottingham's winger Maire Kerrin led to a try by centre Helen Sweik of Wasps. Kathryn Hennessy of Blackheath was easily the outstanding Irish player while Cooke's Clara Heaton and Newcastle's Fiona Speed never gave up trying in a one sided battle.