England Universities top the table after Round 1 of the Student Rugby League Four Nations - having beaten a dogged and determined Ireland team 40-18 on Sunday at the University of Nottingham.
Jake Dickinson opened the scoring for England just four minutes into the game, but Fin Balback was unable to improve, pushing the kick wide of the posts.
Dickinson followed up with a carbon copy shortly afterwards, which Balback easily converted.
Oli Winterbottom was taken high as he scored on the 14 minute mark, with the referee giving the additional penalty for being fouled in the act of scoring (8 point try) with Balback kicking both the conversion and the penalty.
Ireland struck back as Olive Whitford crashed through under the sticks giving James Farrar and easy shot on goal.
Dickinson completed his hat trick just before the half hour mark, but Balback’s kick struck the uprights.
Ireland kept in touch as half time approached as Will Waker burrowed through at the line, Farrar again on target with the kick to make it 22-12 at the break.
England started the second half strong as James Leach powered in on an inside pass, giving Balback another shot on goal.
But Ireland kept up the pressure, building pressure and position to allow Sean Murray to jink his way through, giving Farrar an easy conversion.
Ben Bell-Thorn pounced on a loose ball and powered his way down field to keep England progressing forward, Balback again on target.
Leon Stewart broke free, dummied and dived through for England as Ireland tired in dying minutes, with Balback again on target.
In the other game of the day, Scotland were beaten 10-34 by Wales.
England:
Oli Winterbottom, Ben Bell-Thorn, Dan Perry, Leon Stewart, Jake Dickinson, Charlie Yeomans, Fin Balback, Ben O’Donnell, Will Lintin, Freddie Smith, Teddy Davidson, Mackauley Stephenson, Harry Lowery.
Interchanges: Jamie O’Keeffe, James Leach, Elliot Martin, Alex Ringshall
Tries: Jake Dickinson (4, 8, 28), Oli Winterbottom (14), James Leach (41), Ben Bell-Thorn (52), Leon Stewart (70)
Goals: Fin Balback 6/8
On Report: Ben O’Donnell (23) – Crusher Tackle
Ireland:
James Farrar, Joe Boone, Ellis Keppel, Connor Brogden, Henry Jolliffe, Connor Colman, Sean Murray, Euan Haynes, Will Waker, Jamie Gill, Caleb Owen, Olive Whitford, Matteo Tafi
(No Interchanges)
Tries: Olive Whitford (20), Will Waker (35), Sean Murray (49)
Goals: James Farrar 3/3
Half Time: 22-12
Full Time: 40-18
Referee: Matty Clayton
