Worcester lock Graham Kitchener suffered defeat for England Saxons as they were beaten 20-11 by Ireland Wolfhounds – but there was better news for Warriors centre Alex Grove who impressed as Scotland A defeated Italy A 11-3 on Friday night.
First-half tries from Denis Hurley and skipper Chris Henry, both converted by Ian Humphreys along with two penalties from the Irish fly-half, saw the Ireland Wolfhounds home, despite being under severe pressure in the scrums at a wind-battered and rain-lashed Ravenhill on Friday night.
As for England Saxons, last weekend's thumping win over Italy A at Sixways was a distant memory as countless errors and lack of precision let them down near Ireland's line.
Meanwhile, similar conditions in Scotland failed to stop Grove and Scotland A as they made it three wins in a row with a hard-fought triumph over Italy A at rainy Netherdale. Worcester Centre Grove played the entire game in torrential downpours.
Heading into the game on the back of victories over the United States and Ireland Wolfhounds, the Scots went in at half-time 8-0 up thanks to Ryan Grant's early try and a David Blair penalty. Another Blair penalty after the break stretched the hosts' lead, before Tito Tibaldi finally got the Italians on the scoreboard with a penalty of his own.