Emerging Ireland ended their Toyota Challenge Series with a 21-14 win over the Cheetahs with tries coming from Nathan Doak, Shane Daly and Jamie Osborne, as well as six points from Jack Crowley.

It was the Cheetahs who dominated the early proceedings, with their experienced side that has almost 200 Springboks caps between them, enjoying territory inside the Irish half.

However, after a quarter of an hour, Emerging Ireland did grow into the game and in the 20^th minute, they were rewarded. After phases of pressure on the Cheetahs’ try line, some quick thinking from Nathan Doak saw the Ulster scrum half dive over the try line for the opening score.

Jack Crowley followed up with the conversion to give Emerging Ireland a 7-0 lead.

The Cheetahs did reply shortly after and after a succession of penalties conceded by Emerging Ireland, which led to a sin bin for Cian Prendergast, the referee awarded a penalty try.

After Joe McCarthy was sent into the bin five minutes later, Emerging Ireland found themselves down to 13 men. After constant pressure on their five-metre line and without two key forwards, somehow Emerging Ireland survived.

Emerging Ireland showed dominance at the lineout, stealing a number of the Cheetahs’ throws. The sides went level at 7-7 at half time.

After an impressive start to the second half, Emerging Ireland regained the lead through a wonderful solo run from Munster full back Shane Daly. Daly ducked and weaved through tackles before diving over for Ireland’s second try. Crowley yet again added the extras from the tee, extending the visitors lead.

Just before the hour mark, Emerging Ireland struck again. A well worked lineout saw the ball flashed out to the back and after Robert Baloucoune carved through the defence, he popped the ball into Nathan Doak. Doak then passed outside him to the lighting Jamie Osborne who crossed underneath the posts.

Crowley converted again to bring the score to 21-7.

The Cheetahs continued to put huge pressure on the Emerging Ireland defence, but the resilient young side kept their stellar defence up with everyone putting their bodies on the line to keep their lead intact.

With five minutes remaining, the referee did award the Cheetahs a second penalty try of the game, giving the hosts some hope heading into the final moments of the contest.

But it was Emerging Ireland who held on to win the series after three fantastic performances.