WORCESTER'S Shane Drahm earned praise as he kicked two penalties and a conversion but England 'A' lost 33-18 to Ireland.

The first points of the evening came from the boot of fly-half Drahm with a 12th-minute penalty.

He was then involved in a try for Paul Sackey but missed the conversion.

Ireland's Jeremy Staunton hit back with two penalties and Ian Dowling scored a try.

Drahm's penalty pulled the scores level until Staunton's converted try handed Ireland an 18-11 lead at the break.

Keiran Lewis added a converted try in the second period but Michael Lipman's try and Drahm's conversion put them within seven points.

However, Staunton's penalty and Robert Kearney's try for Ireland completed the scoring.

England 'A' head coach John Wells said: "I thought Louis Deacon and Tim Payne came through well, Shaun Perry had an outstanding first-half and Shane Drahm kicked well."

England Under 19s beat Ireland 32-9 at the Twickenham Stoop.

Worcester's Chris Pennell started the match and Sam McDonald was a replacement.