It was a Grand Slam win for the U20’s today in Musgrave Park. Ireland proved the dominating team from the start against Scotland, securing the bonus point in the first half.

An impressive back line kept the tries coming in the second half. Even with a 14-man team at 70 minutes, the visitors side couldn’t compete with the top of the table champions.

With Ireland firm favourites for the match off the back of four wins from four, they started the game with a strong attack. Jude Postlethwaite made a good run just a minute in, in what would be the first of many impressive carries for the Ulster player.

Ireland quickly worked up the field but a steal in Scotland’s 22’ saw their efforts unrewarded.  Jack Boyle was quick to turn it around and minutes later Magurie’s pass out to Morrisey brought the ball just short of the line. A quick carry from Matthew Devine however saw Boyle get over the line for the first try of the game at just five minutes in.

The restart proved promising again and after some excellent phases by the backline the home team were once again metres form the line. Crothers made good ground in a carry and a flat pass from Devine saw Gibbons add to the board, opening up the lead.

A lost offload from Postlethwaite resulted in the first scrum won by Scotland, fifteen minutes but the kick was cleared by Tector giving Ireland back possession. Gibbons once again made himself known with a strong run up the field and an inside pass on the blind out to Devine brought the inside the 22’.

Postlethwaite was there for the offload and after missed tackles from a poor Scottish defence Ireland got their third try of the game, leaving the scoreboard 17-0 just 24 minutes in. Ireland's attack off a scrum saw the backs flourish again with Postlethwaite once again making ground.

A slumped Scotland defence saw him get to the 22 and a loose offload was quickly regained by the home side. The visitors scrambling defence was obvious against Ireland's cool hands and despite the ball being held up Ireland got back inside the 22’ from the restart.

After a pack effort Boyle brought the ball over the line, but it wasn’t rewarded for the forward. It wasn’t to matter however as it was James Cullhane who got the bonus point win for the home side after a chip of the boot of Tector bounced in his favour. 

Scotland McKnight put points on the board for the visitors after the first real set piece for the Scotland side. A won lineout and a pass from their scrumhalf saw them gain ground but they were put into touch. Chay Mullins made an impact coming on for Patrick Campbell, after a failed HIA test for the full back. A flat pass from Mullins out to Ben Carson made it try number five for the dominating team, a memorable one for the back having come off four months of injury.

The second half saw Ireland only add to the board. A strong restart saw Mullins make up ground after a sidestep carry. Devine got the pop from the offload and made it his fourth try in four games after some serious feet. Ireland’s pack put up a strong attack and a maul and quick hands from McCormick saw another try for Ireland.

A high tackle from Townsend and an offside from McLoughlin inside their own 22’ was marked Scotland’s second chance.  After Ireland gave away a series of penalty advantages. Scotland’s forwards worked up to the line and got through the Irish defence, resulting in a fourth penalty in a row. It was Postlethwaite who took the hit for the team, taking the yellow card at 65 minutes.

With Ireland hungry for the ball a last minute effort from Scotland after a decent run wasn’t to be after the ball was held up on the line, by the forward pack. The visitors' knock on meant Ireland U20’s had the last say of the game which they dominated from the start, showing a maturity and collectiveness in the final minutes that Scotland just didn’t possess.

While Captain Crothers marked his team’s motto as just focusing on “Winning the next moment” this win in Musgrave Park, marks the end for now for this championship as the Ireland U 20’s take home The Six Nations title and Grand Slam win, for the second time in three seasons.