Wales beat Ireland 24-6 to win the Celtic Cup, their first trophy in 11 years
Wales won the inaugural Men's Celtic Cup with a 24-6 victory over Ireland at The Wern in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday, the men's side's first trophy in 11 years, Wales Rugby League said. A draw would have been enough on points difference after the 38-0 win over Scotland a week earlier. Wales wanted more, and scored the first try after nine minutes.
Wales v Ireland, Men's Celtic Cup
- Full time
- Wales 24-6 Ireland
- Half time
- Wales 16-0
- Wales scorers
- Tries: Garmston, Owen, Connor, Ingram. Newton 3 goals, 1 penalty
- Ireland scorers
- Try: Coop. Farrar 1 goal
- Player of the match
- Oli Garmston (Wales)
How the match went
Oli Garmston took an offload close to the line to score in the right corner after a penalty, and Charlie Newton converted. Tokoaitua Owen added a second try four minutes later, and Jackson Connor went over on 31 minutes to make it 16-0 at the break. Ireland scored through Dan Coop on 50 minutes, converted by James Farrar. Wales answered on 64 minutes when Lewis Ingram gathered an offload from Taine Woodford to score in the corner, and Newton's conversion made it 22-6. His penalty on 70 minutes completed the scoring.
Player of the match
Garmston was named Wales' player of the match. WRL said Ireland's discipline cost them throughout the first half, with a run of penalties handing Wales territory.