Wales crowned European Champions

Correspondent 09 Nov 2015 10:49 AM

Wales have been crowned European champions, after beating Ireland 30-4 in Bray on Saturday evening.

That marks a huge turnaround in a year, after the Welsh claimed the ‘wooden spoon’ and finished bottom of the tournament last season.

Wales coach John Kear was particularly pleased with the defensive effort from his team over the course of the tournament.

“Our goal-line defence in this tournament has been absolutely outstanding and that’s what has won us the European Championship,” said Kear.

“We were under the cosh in every game but we showed great resolve, desire and work for each other to quell the tide. Only four tries conceded in three games is pretty outstanding.”

Ireland coach Mark Aston felt that the Welsh deserved their glory, after putting in well-planned and executed performance.

“I thought Wales were very, very good. They wanted it and deserved it,” he said.

“We didn’t come to the party which was a little bit disappointing. In the first two games in the tournament we were alright but tonight we didn’t show up.

“They had a plan and executed it. Well done to Wales.”

IRELAND 4

Scott Grix, Brad Hargreaves, Callum Mulkeen, Elliot Cosgrove, Casey Dunne, Ben Johnston, Liam Finn, Matty Hadden, Bob Beswick, Luke Ambler, Danny Bridge, Will Hope, Oliver Roberts

Subs: Joe Keyes, Rob Mulhern, Haydn Peacock, Gareth Gill (Ballynahinch Rabbitohs)

Try: Mulkeen (72)

Goal: Finn 0/1

WALES 30

Elliot Kear, Rhys Williams, Michael Channing, Christiaan Roets, Dalton Grant, Ollie Olds, Courtney Davies, Anthony Walker, Steve Parry, Craig Kopczak, Rhodri Lloyd, Lewis Reece, Phil Joseph