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.

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.