In the following game, England hit Ireland with a devastating opening blitz of three quick tries from Daniel Whitmore, skipper Sam Gee and full back Darren Fletcher, all converted by Chris Tuson.

The Irish got back into the game courtesy of a try from Davis Johnson; man of the match Chris Forster tagging on the conversion to leave the half time score 18-6.

The Emerald Isle levelled at the beginning of the second half with well crafted touchdowns from Adam Wilson and Forster who again added both conversions.

England responded and secured victory with two converted tries from Gareth Knowles and Adam Rudd.

The Irish kept the tension alive when they crossed again in the last minute through their captain, loose forward Tyrone McArthy.

Delighted Tournament Director Jean Eric Ducuing of the French RL Federation commented: “This was a fantastic advert for Rugby League and a great opening to the European Championship”.

RLEF Development Officer Kevin Rudd added, “This promises to be a fantastic event and will hopefully pave the way for other future European age group Championships”

ENGLAND
1 Darren Fletcher
2 James Haynes
3 Daniel Chrimes
4 Sam Gee
5 Vinny Finnegan
6 Chris Tuson
7 Scott Low
8 Gregg Mannion

9 Daniel Whitmore
10 Matt Barber
11 Adam Rudd
12 Gareth Knowles
13 Kristian Hodson

Subs (all used)
14 David Rolt
15 Jamie Hopkins
16 David Cookson
17 Rick Jones

Tries: Mannion (2), Gee (9), Fletcher (12), Knowles (52), Rudd (57)
Goals: Tuson 5
Coach: Matt Calland

IRELAND
 1 David Heathwood
2 Simon Atherton
3 Adam Walsh
4 David Johnson
5 Sean Quinn
6 Chris Forster
7 Adam Wilson
8 Neil Belshaw
9 Daniel O’Brien
10 Adam Boughen
11 Daniel Newlove
12 Mike Fairclough
13 Tyrone McArthy

Subs (all used)
14 Glenn Holland
15 Paul Rigby
16 Danny Gregory
17 Craig Foster

Tries: Johnson (16), Wilson (44), Forster (49), McArthy (66)
Goals: Forster 4
Coach: Gareth Jones

Referee: David Segura  (France)
Ville de Canet man of the Match:
Chris Forster (Ireland)
Attendance: 453

article by Phil Caplan
6 July 2006