Ireland Comes Up Trumps - 09 September 2001

Source: Rugby League Ireland

Ireland's Amateur Rugby League team won the very first Sports Gear Direct Perpetual Bowl match against Scotland by 28 points to 10.

Ireland kicked-off the match and completed their first set of six tackles. Scotland also completed their first set of six, which suggested that both teams had settled early but this proved misleading as a number of handling errors ensued. Most of the early play was contained in the Scottish half and the Irish pressure was rewarded as early as the 5th minute. Nick Bright successfully took a penalty from 20 metres to the left of the Scottish posts after Scotland stand-off Sean Farrell was penalised for holding down in the tackle.

As the game developed and the players steadied to their task, both teams had their chances but we had to wait until the 20-minute mark for the scoreboard to change. Michael Snell broke through Scotland's defence on the half-way line and raced towards the Scottish try-line only to be met 30 metres out by Scotland's full-back Simon Corrigan. Ireland's Tony Valentino was in support to receive the ball from Michael Snell only to be confronted by Scottish winger Craig Armstrong so he looped a pass out wide to right-winger Mark Sheehy. Mark committed both his opposition winger and the Scottish full-back to running down the line before cutting inside and accelerating to score under the posts.

Bangor Vikings Chris Nelmes added to the tally five minutes later when he popped up at acting half-back right under the sticks, dummying right before moving quickly to his left and crash down over the line. Mark Sheehy converted the try to bring the scoreline to 14-0.

Ireland's players were in full flow now and, although Scotland did have their chances, the bulk of the rearguard action was being performed by a hardworking Scottish defence. It looked like the score was going to change at any minute but it was not until just before half-time that right-winger Mark Sheehy started a passing move across the width of the park that was completed by left-winger Mark Kingston who touched down in the left hand corner.

Half-Time 18 - 0.

The second half was a much more even affair and it was Scotland who scored just after the restart when a series of quick moves to the right of the field brought its just rewards. The home side spotted a gap to score following a quick play-the-ball 5 metres from the Irish try line with the Ireland defence still adjusting.

Ireland were the next team to have the ball over the opposition try line following good passing moves by the back line but, in what was considered a rare lapse by the officials, the try was disallowed for a forward pass. Ireland maintained their impetus and, having received the ball around Scotland's 20-metre line, prop Garret Molloy side-stepped like a Centre before forcing his way over for a try after 60 minutes with half the Scotland pack clinging to him in vain.

Scotland came back into the game and dominated phases of the second half as they tried to reduce the deficit. Injuries to Ireland scrum-half Michael Snell, forwards Sean Cleary and John Cronin reduced Ireland's interchange options. Scotland pressed hard and were rewarded for their persistence in the 65th minute when Craig Armstrong found himself on the end of a 3-man passing move to beat his marker and score under the posts. The try was converted to bring the scoreline to 22-10.

With only two scores difference between the teams, the next try was going to be decisive but we had to wait until the 75th minute before Steve Kavanagh wrapped up the points by receiving the ball 10 metres from the Scottish line to accelerate past his marker and dive over the line despite the attentions of the despairing Scottish defence. Popular squad member John Cronin stepped up to guide the ball over the Scottish posts to bring the final score to 28-10.

In general the Ireland players looked pacier and more inventive, particularly around the base of the pack where Mark O'Connell and Michael Snell starred. Coach Andy Adams kept the busy pack refreshed by timely rotations of the props and second-rowers.

Full-Time 28 - 10

Teams:

Scotland: Simon Corrigan, Craig Armstrong, David Ridings, Mikel Richter, Andy Dalglish, Sean Farrell, David McGrath, Shaun Boyle, Mark Sloan, Teak Thompson, Drew McGinty, Hamish McKinnon, Jordan Ingham. Reserves: John Malakoty, Stephen Dennison, Craig Barrie, Gregor Mathieson, Liam Bryson, Graham Walker, Ian Young.

Ireland 28 (Mark Sheehy, Chris Nelmes, Mark Kingston, Mark O'Connell, John Cronin tries, Sheehy 2, Michael Snell, Cronin goals) defeated Scotland 10 (Simon Corrigan, Gregor Mathieson tries, David McGrath goal). Played at West of Scotland FC, Glasgow, Sunday 9th September 2001.