The Republic Of Ireland Under 19 Team came within a frame of winning the Home Internationals today in Pontins. After a long weeks play it came down to the last days play where either Ireland or England B would be crowned champions.
An 11-1 demolition of France put Ireland in prime position but we needed Wales to do us a favour and get a result against England B. It did not start well however as Wales were docked a frame for one of their players turning up late.
Wales to their credit however came within one frame of sealing the draw and the deciding frame even saw the Welsh player 28 ahead on the yellow. Luck was not on our side on the day however and the English player made a great comeback to clinch the victory and steal the title from the Irish.
Overall during the week all four lads played some superb snooker with some great performances. Each player played five matches each with Josh Boileau winning four of his matches picking up 11 out of the 15 frames available. Ryan Cronin won three of his matches winning ten frame overall. David Cassidy picked up 10 of his 18 frames in his three match wins and Chris Cooney won one match picking up 6 frames for the team.
National Coach PJ Nolan was delighted with the standard that all the lads played during the week. PJ stated “I have never been so proud of a team that did everything they could to achieve something that an Irish team has never accomplished before”. “We pushed the old enemy all the way this year and I’m confident that the experience the four players gained this time round will see them in good stead for the World Under-21’s next summer which will be held on home soil in Carlow”
