WALES Under-21s set the tone at the start of a special weekend when they won their own Grand Slam by beating their Irish counterparts comfortably at a packed Neath ground last night.

It was the third time in six years for the junior Welsh team to achieve the Grand Slam, but they didn't have it all their own way against a battling Irish team and they led only 10-5 at the interval.

But a fiery start to the second half when they scored 17 points in ten minutes earned them the ultimate prize and showed the way to the seniors today.

Wales got the start they wanted in front of a big, enthusiastic crowd of nearly 8,000 when Ospreys outside half Wayne Jones landed a penalty from in front of the Irish posts.

Newport scrum half James Ireland quickly showed a flowing service as young Wales tried to emulate their seniors by throwing the ball around, but they met with a stern defence and then Jones missed a long range penalty shot.

Giant lock Ben Thomson became the third Newport player on the field when he replaced Alun Wyn Jones temporarily, but it was the other two Newport players who made the opening try after 16 minutes.

Ricky Williams ran the ball from his own 22, the Ospreys' Andrew Bishop ran hard and Ireland broke away well before sending Jones racing over on his inside for the try which Jones also converted.

But Williams had to be at his best to bring Irish wing Paul McKenzie down and the Welsh defence were forced to defend grimly as the Irish pack stormed their line.

The Ireland backs were also dangerous and McKenzie and centre Andrew Trimble both ran strongly to put supporting number eight Stephen Ferris over for an unconverted try after half-an-hour.

Wales' promising start had long since evaporated and it was Ireland who looked more impressive during the latter part of the first half despite having two replacements on the field and Wales were clinging to a 10-5 lead at half-time.

Wales started the second half strongly and Aled Brew, brother of the Dragons' Nathan, shot through the middle only to be halted just short, but Neath lock Ian Evans barged down the middle and Ireland, Jones and Bishop handled to put Cardiff wing Chris Czekaj dashing over near the corner for a fine try which Jones converted in style.

Jones quickly added a penalty and Wales had reasserted themselves. In fact, they were on the rampage now as Bishop went over for their third try after a powerful run by Alun Wyn Jones. Wayne Jones again converted.

But with six minutes left Scottish referee David Changleng sent off Irish replacement lock Mark Melbourne after an incident on the far side of the field.

Wales made their superiority count when a sweeping move from one side of the field to the other ended with Czekaj scoring his second try as the crowd hailed the young slammers.