Woods excels as Ireland steal a win

HISTORY repeated itself in reverse, so to speak, at Myreside yesterday as Ireland defeated Scotland A in the most dramatic and exciting circumstances by 34 points to 33.

With the match in the 80th minute, the Scots led 33-27 and seemed set fair for victory. Play was inside the Irish half and an Ireland attack had been halted. The Scots won possession and moved the ball left to right. Ireland's left wing, Niall Woods, saw his chance, intercepted and set off on a 60-yard run downs the left, and not a Scot could lay a hand in him. He cut inside to score under the posts.

That left the score at 33-32 to the Scots with the outcome hanging on Mick Lynch's conversion. He struck it straight and true and Ireland led 34-33.

But the drama was not quite over. Two minutes into injury time, the Scots got a penalty 50 yards out, but with the strong wind at their backs. Their out-half, Alaistair Donaldson, decided to go for the kick and glory. But was never on target and the final whistle blew.

It was a jubilant Ireland team that left the field to a tremendous reception and, the Scots were shell-shocked.

Remarkably, the corresponding match two years ago had ended in similar drama, but on that occasion it was Scotland who stole the match with an injury-time try from Tony Stanger.

One has to admit to good fortune to win a match in such a manner, but as Ireland manager Ray Coughlan said afterwards: "The effort the side put in during the second half, deserved reward. We played better in many respects into the wind than we had done with it". That was a fair assessment, as was coach Dave Haslett's comment: "We put pressure on ourselves by making mistakes that cost scores, but I am delighted to end the campaign with this win".

The A team has not been a settled entity - no fewer than 43 players have represented Ireland at this level this season. But they dug, deep yesterday and Woods' try was one of two he scored during the best performance I have seen from him this season.

Playing with the wind, Ireland made a fine start with a try after two minutes from Niall Hogan. Then a great run by Woods opened the way for Ciaran Clarke to score a second after eight minutes. Lynch converted and Ireland led 12-0. But the Scots hit back with a try from centre Cameron Murray after a midfield break, and Donaldson converted.

The Scots were using their back row to try and break Ireland down and also had the better of the line-out, but a penalty from Lynch and then a great try from Woods, who beat two in a 40-yard run, gave Ireland a 20-7 lead at the break.

Within a minute of the restart, the Scots struck what looked to be an ominous blow when, after a line-out and then a ruck, left wing John Kerr was sent clear and Donaldson converted to leave it at 14-20.

Unfortunately, Ireland then made two mistakes that cost scores. Richard Govereney, who did quite well on his debut at out-half, had a kick blocked down and the Scots capitalised. A pass to Eddie Halvey, that he tried to transfer behind his back, cost another.

But Halvey had in fact scored a fine try and had a very good second half. His score came when the Scots had taken a 21-20 lead. Halvey blocked down a ball in midfield, led the raid down the left flank and then scored a try which Lynch converted.

Scotland then hit twice, with both tries coming from centre Ronnie Eriksson. Donaldson converted one to leave the home team 33-27 in front.

Ireland defended very well as the Scots tried to put the match out of reach after Ericksson's second try in the 68th minute. Hogan brought off a superb tackle, Halvey another. Kieron Dawson worked hard and effectively throughout and the pack did not relent in their endeavours, with Mark McDermott often at the heart of their advances.

It all seemed to no avail. Then Woods provided the inspiration and scored the try that proved decisive in what was a thoroughly entertaining match that saw both teams score five tries.