Joyce excels as Irish wilt

England will have to beat Scotland tomorrow to retain the Student Rugby League Home Nations Championship after thrashing Ireland 46-8 in the second round of matches in Glasgow last night.

Eight different players crossed the try line for England, with Ben Joyce of Leicester University landing seven goals from eight attempts.

The Irish defence held up well at the beginning of both halves, but wilted in the hot conditions – not helped by Lynton Dawson getting himself sin-binned twice – as England took control.

They now face Scotland, victors over Ireland in their first match, who last night scored a surprise 36-14 win over Wales.

They trailed to two early tries, but led 14-8 at half-time, and then defended tigerishly until two clever tries from Robin Laing, who also kicked seven goals, took them clear.

In the Under 19s Championship, which is running alongside the main event, England South and East beat England North and West 42-6, while Scotland beat Wales 18-8, with their second-rower, Brian Henry, scoring two of their tries.