Ireland lift Home International trophy

ANDREW Duncan yesterday wrote himself into the record books – becoming the first Ireland captain to parade the Under-25 Home International trophy at a jubilant City of Derry Club.

The Irish turned in a magical performance over the two day showpiece. They laid the foundation for their success with wins over Scotland and Wales on Saturday, but perhaps reserved the best until the last – producing an outstanding showing to beat England.

Team boss Jim Baker congratulated every one of his heroes at the finish. The Sealy Trophy was Ireland property – at last, ending years of agony.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The boys were fantastic over the three games,” purred Baker.

“They applied themselves superbly – and demonstrated what talented players we have here.

“We came up against a Scotland team in our opening match. We knew they had eight changes to the team, due to age restrictions, that won the title last season.

“And, we though it was the best time to play them. In saying that, we had six new lads in our team – every one of them played their part.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The win over Scotland certainly set us up for the remainder of the campaign. Against Wales, we had to grind out the result – they did what was necessary.

“It put us in with a great chance. The boys knew what was required against England in the final match, and they against met the challenge.

“I can’t praise them enough. They’ve wrote themselves record books by becoming the first Irish side to win the trophy – they can all be proud of that.

“They showed great battling qualities over the three matches – holding their nerve when it mattered.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have lost games in the past over the last few important ends, but the boys had a belief and confidence to go on and finish the job this time.”

Graham McKee and Simon Colvin were Ireland’s top two skips – finishing the campaign with an unblemished record.

And, they maintained that form in yesterday’s crucial outing against an England team that included Commonwealth Games player Sam Tolchard.

McKee, who had Jack Montgomery, Aaron Patterson and Keith Padgett, in his rink finished his series with another important win – a 27-12 victory over Ean Mortan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Aaron Tennant, Tom Ransey, Robert Allen turned in a battling performance to pip Jamie Chestney 21-20.

Gary Kelly, joined by Chris Brogan, Patrick McCafferty and David Dilworth, chipped in with a vital 19-16 success against Richard Catton, while skipper Duncan played his part, skipping his combination, David Torrington, Aaron Dilworth and Simon Cavan to a 23-15 win over Danny May.

Robbie Maher may have been beaten in his opening game against the Scots, but the St James’s Gate player, grew in confidence as the tournament progressed.

With Steven Shields, Paul Brennan and Shane Leonard in front of him Maher ground out a superb 18-18 result against Tolchard in his final game.

England’s only success came from Wayne Willgress’s 32-13 win over Gareth Pierpoint, Nigel Beggs, Terry Crawford and Patrick Burns, but there was no dampening the Irish celebrations.

Related topics: