Emerging Ireland cruised to an emphatic, eight try, 54-7 victory over Griquas in their Toyota Series opener.

A brace from Scott Penny as well as tries from Josh Wycherley, Robert Baloucoune, Max Deegan, Stewart Moore, Shane Daly, Calvin Nash and 12 points from Jack Crowley capped off an impressive showing from this young side.

It was a slightly cagey start to the contest with this Emerging Ireland side slowly growing into the game. Jack Crowley’s kicking from hand caused the Griquas trouble early on and just before the quarter of an hour mark, Ireland scored their first try.

A tap and go deep inside the Griquas’ 22 metre line was finished powerfully by Leinster’s Scott Penny. Jack Crowley converted and gave his side an early advantage.

Ten minutes later, Emerging Ireland doubled their lead. A turnover in the Griquas’ 22 saw Max Deegan flash the ball wide to Jamie Osborne. The pacey centre then pooped the ball into the path of Robert Baloucoune who finished in the corner. Jack Crowley remained composed and added the extras from the tee.

The Griquas did reduce the deficit a couple of minutes later through openside flanker Niel Otto who finished from close range. Eddie Fouche added two more from the following conversion, bringing the South African outfit to within seven points of Emerging Ireland.

The visitors regained their 14-point lead five minutes before the interval. A powerful maul from the Griquas’ five metre line saw Scott Penny drive over for his second game of the afternoon.

With half time fast approaching, Emerging Ireland struck again. A brilliant team move saw Ireland work through the phases. A powerful carry from Scott Penny drew in Griquas’ defenders, before he popped the ball into Josh Wycherley who finished from close range.

Jack Crowley maintained his 100% record from the tee to send Emerging Ireland into half time with a 28-7 lead.

Emerging Ireland found their fifth try of the day after a piece of genius from Robert Baloucoune. A menacing run into the opponents 22 metre line exposed their defence. The Ulster winger then offloaded magnificently into the path of his provincial teammate Stewart Moore who touched down.

A cheeky kick behind the Griquas defence from Jack Crowley saw Shane Daly touch down for try number six midway through the second period, before Max Deegan got in on the act with a powerful finish from close range.

With full time edging closer, Emerging Ireland showed no mercy and added try number eight through Calvin Nash, with replacement out half Jake Flannery adding the points from the tee.

It’s a game against the Cheetahs next for this young side, who will be eager to continue their fantastic form.