Match Report

By Ian Golden

Wales began their defence of the Celtic Cup with a resounding 64-22 win over a plucky Irish side, who matched the Welsh after the break.

Wales took the lead in the fourth minute with a Harry Jones try in the corner. Scott Trigg-Turner converted before extending the lead further with a try in the opposite corner. His second kick hit the post and Wales were 10-0 up on seven minutes.

Stuart Williams then scored his 49th Wales try on 10 minutes with Trigg-Turner converting.

Peter Johnston hit back for Ireland two minutes later, which he converted himself to pull the score back to 16-6 but Trigg-Turner grabbed his second of the game on 18 minutes which he duly converted.

Five minutes later, Jones stormed under the posts for his second with Trigg-Turner converting to put the score up to 28-6.

Then, just after the half-hour, Stuart Williams made history by becoming the first ever Wales rugby league player in any of the international sides to score 50 tries in a Welsh shirt. Trigg-Turner converted again before getting his hat-trick of tries and adding a further goal to put Wales 40-6 up at the break.

It took less than a second half minute for Trigg-Turner to cross for his fourth try.

Gary Preece added the next Wales try which Trigg-Turner improved before adding his fifth try and converting again.

Toby Burton-Carter both crossed for an Irish try, before Mark Williams went over for two more for Wales, all of which went unconverted.

Martin added a further two Ireland scores with Johnston converting both, to make the final score 64-22.