This was the 20th annual meeting between the sides and only the third ever victory for the Welsh. The match preceded with a minutes silence in memory of the late Brigadier Rolph James, the founder of The Welsh Exiles who passed away earlier this year.
Two first half tries helped the Welsh to a 18-3 half time lead and although the Irish scored two tries of their own in the second half a solid performance from the Welsh ensured the result was never really in doubt.
Welsh Exiles Secretary Terwyn Williams was delighted with the result adding: “The Irish are always formidable opponents and the result was even more satisfying bearing in mind our players had only met for the first time three hours before kick off.
“Our attitude, commitment and team spirit was exceptional and we are looking forward to the rest of the season with our younger age groups”.
Welsh Exiles Under 18s Squad: Lloyd Rayer, Sharnbrook School, Bedfordshire; Tom Papworth, Ashville College, Yorkshire; Tom Hughes, Vyners School, Middlesex; Will Owen, Kenilworth School, Warwickshire; Luke Fowler, Hampton School, Middlesex, Jake Newman, Worcester College; Oliver Parkinson, Helsby High School, Cheshire; Ed Green, Pate’s School, Gloucestershire; Ran Whitehouse, South Hunsley School, East Yorkshire; Scott Bentley, Shrewsbury College; Oliver Roberts, Newbury School, Berkshire; Alex Ruck, Llandovery College; Jack Roberts, Worthing College, Sussex; Matthew Vaux, Rugby School, Warwickshire, Ben Hughes (capt), Nottinghamshire; Tom Rowlands, Twyford School, Middlesex; Will Davies, Redborne School, Bedfordshire; Ben Wiegman, Rugby School, Warwickshire, Nathan Pinel, De La Salle College, Jersey; Tom Dawkes, Edgbarrow, Berkshire; Owain Fussell, Canterbury High School, Kent.
