Saxons satisfied with Ireland revenge

Shane Geraghty admitted England Saxons were spurred by 'unfinished business' after they gained a revenge win against Ireland A.

The Northampton fly-half guided his team to victory, scoring a try, kicking two conversions and an injury-time penalty in their 17-13 success.

And it was a sweet moment for the Saxons, who were crushed 49-22 by Ireland's second string in the Churchill Cup final last summer.

'Mentally, leading up to the game we talked about unfinished business from last summer,' said Geraghty.

'We wanted to go after them in attack and defence. We had that mindset all week, and the big thing was to win.

'Ireland are an experienced team, and it was very physical out there, but we backed ourselves in defence especially, which is what won us the game.'

Geraghty also pulled off a try-saving tackle on Ireland wing Fionn Carr.

Ireland A dominated much of the territory, especially during a final quarter when their substitute flanker Chris Henry touched down barely 60 seconds after Saxons prop Paul Doran-Jones had been sin-binned.

But their only other points came from two Paddy Wallace penalties and a conversion as England prevailed through Geraghty's contribution and an early David Strettle try.

Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster added: 'The average age of our side was only 23 with just 17 caps between them, up against an Ireland team with more than 300 caps. They had age and experience on their side.

'We didn't have it all our own way, but in the first half we took our chances and in the second half our defence was outstanding.

'It is nice to turn the tables on that Churchill Cup result.

'Irish rugby has been going very well, both internationally and provincially, so that is a fantastic win for us.'