FERGUS McFADDEN capped a Denver dream by inspiring Ireland A to their first ever Churchill Cup championship final triumph with a six-try 49-22 victory over holders England Saxons.
The Most Valuable Player of the Tournament, who likes to sail in his free time, was at the helm of everything Ireland A did – and they did plenty in taking the silver trophy in emphatic fashion at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, Commerce City.
McFadden followed up his two tries in the previous game against Georgia with three conversions and a penalty to add to tries from Devon Toner, Isaac Boss, Sean Cronin, Felix Jones, Johne Murphy and John Muldoon. Fly-half Jonathan Sexton kicked 10 points.
“We are delighted to beat England in this last match,” said McFadden. “We thought it would be a bit closer but we gelled a lot better than them and put in a very good performance. There’s loads of talent in the team so let’s hope there’s a lot more to come from this group of players. It’s great to have Declan Kidney and the senior coaches here looking over us and it’s certainly given us extra motivation in this tournament.
While McFadden’s overall contribution across the tournament earned him his Minute Man trophy, Felix Jones was receiving the man of the match champagne for his try-scoring contribution.
Jones, an Ireland A debutant in the tournament, said: “This is something I never thought would happen. I think I speak for everybody when I say we just went out to win but it was a great effort. The forwards have been quality all tournament and its testament to the likes of Neil Best who have been on the road with the senior team as well for the last five weeks and yet just got on with it today.”
England Saxons’ grip on the Cup after two years was less than secure as Ireland A led 20-12 at half-time before the floodgate opened after the break with their only consolation coming in tries from Ben Woods and Tom Varndell to add to Stephen Myler’s four penalties.
2010 Churchill Cup Finals Canada vs England Match Highlights
