Briers drop-goal crucial as Wales beat Ireland by one point

A drop-goal from Lee Briers ultimately proved crucial as Wales claimed a nail-biting 31-30 European Cup win over Ireland at the Gnoll. 2,165 watched Sunday's game as Iestyn Harris' men effectively set up a 'Cup Final' clash with France next weekend for a place in the 2011 Four Nations.

Wales are eighty minutes away from earning the right to face England, Australia and New Zealand in 2011 following a hard-fought win on Sunday afternoon. 

Harris' side ran over six tries in an end-to-end encounter and can now look forward to next weekend's trip to France knowing that a place in next year's Four Nations is at stake. 

Wales got off to an excellent start as Mark Lennon caught a high cross-field bomb to score, with some early dominance suggesting a comfortable home win was on the cards. 

However, Ireland fought back well. Tim Bergin completed a fine passing on 17 minutes move before Greg McNally's excellent long-range conversion edged the visitors two points ahead. 

Bergin's well-executed finish left the Irish brimming with confidence and they scored again almost immediately. Wales were slow to respond to a fast break-away and McNally eventually charged over under the sticks before converting his own score. 

Ireland continued to press for a third try, but Wales were next to score. Some excellent charging from Gareth Thomas left Ireland reeling and his pass to Lennon secured four crucial points for the home side. 

Wales piled on the pressure before the interval and Ian Webster found a gap in the Irish defence to charge over the line in front of a delighted Gnoll Terrace. Lloyd White slotted over the extras as Wales led by two points and one try at the interval. 

Ryan Boyle's try and McNally conversion soon after the break put Ireland back ahead, but Rhys Williams ensured Wales took advantage of a period of dominance in the lead up to the hour mark as the lead swung back and forth. 

There were fears that Wales may not be able to bounce back again when Luke Ambler's well-grounded try put Ireland ahead once again, but with only twelve minutes remaining some good work from the impressive Lloyd White set up Scorpion Christiaan Roets to score. 

Williams' second try four minutes later looked decisive and though White missed the conversion, Briers soon steered over a crucial drop-goal that gave Harris' side a seven-point cushion.

Ireland, however, were not deterred. They surged forward as the clock ticked down and McNally found a way through a jittery Welsh defence before driving over a conversion that reduced the arrears to a single point.

There was no late twist, however, as Wales held onto possession for all it was worth to claim a narrow but potentially famous win. The hosts were expected to perform better, but the result was the important thing.

All eyes now turn to France, who have also claimed wins over Ireland and Scotland, in what must be regarded as one of the biggest games in the sport's history for the Welshmen.

Full Time – Wales RL 31-30 Ireland RL
Attendance – 2,165