Wales book European Cup Final spot with fantastic Irish win

Wales fought back from twelve points down to claim a famous win over Ireland at Sardis Road on Sunday evening. Iestyn Harris maintained his promising start as Head Coach as his young, rampant Welsh underdogs claimed a brilliant 42-12 in front of 2,143 supporters in Pontypridd.

Ireland, following their impressive display at least year's World Cup, entered the game as clear favourites. This game was effectively a winner-takes-all semi-final. Scotland's victory over Lebanon earlier in the day had sealed their spot in next weekend's European Cup final, and the winner of this Sardis Road clash would face them.

The Irish, despite playing away from home, were expected to have too much experience and strength for the Welsh - and such predictions looked justified as the away side dominated the opening twenty minutes.

Oldham's Marcus St Hilaire, who has honours for England, ran over the opening try to cap off a fine passing move, before Pat Richards converted. The lead was soon doubled. An otherwise excellent Elliot Kear knocked-on from an Irish drop-out, and in the resulting plays a fine grubber kick from Richards allowed Liam Finn to dive onto the ball as it trickled over the Welsh line.

You'd be forgiven for expecting a thumping Irish victory from there - but thankfully, Ireland's second score acted as a clear wake-up call for Wales who suddenly burst into life. Fierce, aggressive tackles began to fly in and Wales gathered some of the composure shown in the battling defeat against England two weeks ago.

Ian Webster barged over underneath the posts after Wales enjoyed four consecutive sets of six, before Cru's Ian Webster bagged a fine individual try to leave things level at the break.

Wales had been woeful for the opening 25 minutes before seizing the momentum in style. Harris had the job of keeping Wales on task after the interval - and clearly his half-time team talk was inspired. The hosts totally dominated the second period with a fantastic display that suggests the future is very, very bright for the future of Welsh Rugby League.

Tries from Rhys Williams and Ashley Bateman helped Wales open up an eight-point lead soon after the re-start, before Geraint Davies' try edged Wales out of sight. Influential skipper and man of the match Jordan James was next to score, before bright prospect Kear bagged a try from the first set after the re-start. Gil Dudson put the icing on the cake and Harris' men can look forward to hosting Scotland in the European Cup Final next Sunday.

This Welsh side, dominated by representatives from the Celtic Crusaders, were sloppy to begin with and were guilty of some sloppy handling errors. However, the XIII showed great spirit in fighting back and were worthy winners.

Bring on the Scots.

Full Time - Wales 42-12 Ireland
Attendance - 2,143