Ireland wins rugby’s Churchill Cup over England
COMMERCE CITY – England entered Sunday’s Churchill Cup Championship with hopes of winning a third consecutive title in the international rugby event.
Ireland A had other plans as it sent the Saxons away bruised and battered in a 49-22 win at sun-splashed Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
After falling behind 6-0 in the opening minutes, Ireland dominated the rest of the way to secure its first Cup title in seven years of the event. Ireland had finished third each of the past three years.
“It’s something we definitely set out to win this year,” said Ireland fullback Felix Jones, who was named the man of the match. “Outside of that, we were just looking to improve after each game, which I think we did.”
Ireland started quickly in the second half, scoring in 23 seconds. Hooker Sean Cronin took a pass from lock Devon Toner, stiff-armed a defender about 10 yards from the try line and bullied his way through the defense to score and give his team a 27-12 advantage.
“I think that was huge for us because it energized our side,” Ireland coach Declan Kidney said. “We were able to keep that energy throughout the game and it helped a lot because neither team is used to playing in this type of heat.”
Each team scored four times in the first half, but the difference was Ireland’s ability to finish. While a bend-but-don’t-break defense limited England to four penalty kicks, Ireland was able to convert two penalty kicks as well as score two tries.
England’s Ben Woods and Tom Varndell each scored a try to pace the Saxons.
Argentina, which beat Canada 44-29 earlier in the day, finished third.
The United States won its match against Georgia 31-13, finishing fifth in the six-team tournament. It was the first time in four years that the U.S. did not finish last.
There were some fans showing their pride for Ireland after the championship game of the Churchill Cup in Commerce City, Colorado on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Ireland A defeated England Saxons 49-22. (The Gazette/Jerilee Bennett) Photo by THE GAZETTE/JERILEE BENNETT
Ireland’s Devon Toner meets up with Brad Barritt during the first half of a championship game of the Churchill Cup in Commerce City, Colorado on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Ireland A defeated England Saxons 49-22. (The Gazette/Jer Photo by THE GAZETTE/JERILEE BENNETT
Ireland’s Dennis Fogarty carries the ball while being tackled by England’s Dan Cole (left) and Nick Abendanon (right) during the championship game of the Churchill Cup in Commerce City, Colorado on Sunday, June 21, 2009 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park Photo by THE GAZETTE/JERILEE BENNETT