Classy Smith keeps England on course for Under-20s Grand Slam

Warriors fly-half Fin Smith helped to keep England on course for a Grand Slam in the delayed Under-20s Six Nations with a 24-15 win over Ireland at Cardiff Arms Park on Thursday.

Smith, who played the full 80 minutes, produced another assured performance behind a powerful pack as England made it three straight wins in the competition.

Smith took his points haul in the tournament to 27 by converting both England’s opening try from number eight Nahum Merigan (Bath Rugby) after 17 minutes and their fourth from Harlequins hooker Sam Riley 25 minutes into the second half.

It was Smith’s penalty kick to the corner that gave England the attacking position from which Merigan was driven over from the lineout.

Smith then set up England’s second try with a lovely long pass to wing Arthur Relton who made ground before openside flanker Ewan Richards crossed.

Richards scored again when Ireland fumbled trying to run from defence and he got a boot the ball and followed up to dot down. The ball rolled off the tee as Smith stepped up to take the conversion which meant he had to hastily take a drop kick which drifted wide.

Ireland reduced the gap to seven points for five minutes when lock Alex Soroka drove over from a lineout with scrum-half Nathan Doak, son of former Warriors Backs Coach Neil, adding the conversion to go with an earlier penalty.

Smith was in the action again when he opted to put a kickable penalty into the corner. England won the lineout and rumbled Riley over for the bonus point try and Smith added the conversion from the left touchline.

Ireland pulled back another try five minutes from time when replacement hooker Eoin de Buitlear crossed from close range. But centre Cathal Forde was unable to land the conversion which would have earned a losing bonus point.

England’s next match is against hosts Wales at the Arms Park on Wednesday (kick-off 8.00pm).

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