Published: Wednesday, 17th March, 2010 5:00pm

Ireland U-20s bid to clinch title in Athlone

Ireland can clinch the ESB U-20 Six Nations title in Athlone on Friday night when they tackle Scotland in the final round of this season's championship, with the action kicking off under the Dubarry Park floodlights at 7.30pm.

Ireland top the table on scoring difference just above England and the boys in green will be hopeful that home advantage will be crucial as they bid for glory in the midlands. Meanwhile, England seem to have a tougher test away to France, the only country to have defeated Ireland in the current campaign. The well-appointed Dubarry Park, home of Buccaneers, should be packed to the gills for this encounter as the Scots bid to spoil the party for the home nation who would love to cap St. Patrick's week with a second title in three years. Ireland's top of the table clash against Wales last week certainly brought out the fans, including a decent sprinkling from the Principality, who witnessed a cracking contest, and the home supporters will surely be looking for more top-class rugby this Friday.

Changes have been kept to a minimum to date and Connacht duo Tiernan O'Halloran and Eoin Griffin could again man the wings. O'Halloran (a son of former Gaelic football star Aidan O'Halloran from Moate) took his opportunity well when preferred to Simon Zebo, while Griffin slotted in comfortably when Darren Hudson sustained an early injury. It will be a tight call for both wing berths but that is an indication of the strength and competition in this Ireland panel. Scotland have not enjoyed the best of fortunes to date but can be counted on to disrupt matters if Ireland do not play with focus, controlled aggression and sustained industry.

The Irish support play and discipline has been high so far, and they have bags of savvy in their make-up. With the chance for glory in their own grasp in front of a home crowd, expect Ireland to dictate from the off and not allow the Scots distract them from their quest. Coach Allen Clarke and manager Michael Kearney will surely have their charges fine-tuned for this final hurdle. At a ground where they are nigh unbeatable and with a bumper crowd roaring them on, Ireland can secure the title.

Tickets selling fast

Tickets for the U-20 international against Scotland can be purchased in advance at The Bounty (Dubarry Park), Musicworld (Golden Island), Keenan Sports, Athlone, and Harten's of Moate. Cash will also be taken at the turnstiles and supporters are urged to come along earlier than normal. For more information, contact the Buccaneers Administrator at 086-1732711 during office hours.