Congratulations to try scoring Alex Kerr on his international debut for Ireland u18s

Caldy Senior Colt, Alex Kerr, started as number 6 blindside flanker in yesterday’s second test Italy u18s v Ireland u18s at Stadio Gianni Visentin, Treviso.

Ireland u18s squad

Image – Irish Rugby

IRELAND u18: 15. Andrew Henson; 14. Ryan McDowell, 13. Ferdia O’Braonain, 12. Finn O’Dwyer, 11. Harry Waters; 10. James Curry, 9. James Brugger; 8. Alex Carter, 7. Shane McGuigan, 6. Alex Kerr; 5. Cian Butler (C), 4. Pasha Thiam; 3. Anthony Ukagwu, 2. Sean Glennon, 1. Kailin Blessing, 16. Eoin O’Doherty, 17. Jack Power, 18. Leo Anic, 19. Tomas Crotty, 20. Harvey Leonard, 21. Conor Butler, 22. Fergus Callington, 23. Matthew Callaghan, 24. Andrew Jackson, 25. Michael Bolger, 26. Dylan Rice

In the first half, Italy started strong with a kick from Braga behind the defensive line, Luisato anticipated everyone with a nice jump and scored the try. 7-0 after Braga’s conversion. The visitors reacted immediately with Ryan Mc Dowell, who did well to equalize the score after the closed Irish scrum had won the engagement with the Azzurri. 7-7. The game is lively, Ireland attacks but Italy defends well and in the 16th minute with De Novellis scores again under the posts. 14-7.

The third Azzurri try came 4 minutes later with Sala who brought Paolo Grassi’s team to 21-7. The fourth score comes thanks to a scrum, Siciliano is the scorer who brings Italy to 28-7. At the end of the first half, Ireland shortened the distance with two tries from Alex Kerr and Andrew Henson. At halftime it goes to 28-19.

The second half opened with the fifth try for the Azzurrini with Tosi, 35-19. Not long after and Italy scores for the sixth time with Marzotto thanks to a dive into the flag and then seventh try with Dinarte. In the middle of the second half the score is 47-19. Fergus Callington tries to soften the result by scoring the try of 47-26 but Italy is too well organized and D’Amico puts the final seal bringing the result to 54-26.

Huge congratulations go to Alex for an incredible achievement in getting selected for the Ireland u18s squad, making the starting line up in their second test game & scoring a well deserved try on his international debut !

Fantastic – well done Alex !

Alex with his extremely proud dad Richard.

Image – Richard Kerr