Ireland Rallies in the 2nd half to Defeat Wales – Women’s Rugby Six Nations

from RBS Nations:

Ireland women ended their Welsh hoodoo as they turned on the gas in the second half in a 18-3 victory at Ashbourne RFC.
Both sides seemed evenly match in the first half with the first forty minutes finishing 5-3 to the hosts before Kevin West’s team scored 13 unanswered points after the break.

Ireland had not won since their opening round 22-5 defeat of Italy after tough away trips to France and England but their campaign got back on track after a four-year losing streak to the Welsh in the Championship.

But another defeat could have been on the cards as Wales made a bright started capped by Non Evans’ fifth minute penalty.

Yet the home side grew into the game and a well-worked move culminated in winger Niamh Briggs bustling her way over in the 15th minute.

Both teams struggled to breakdown each other’s well-organised defences as the game remained on a knife edge until the match entered its final quarter.

This time Ireland were able to create an overlap by sucking in Welsh defenders before spreading the ball wide for Tania Rosser to touch down.

Briggs’ 72nd penalty took the home side a score clear and in Wales’ desperation to get back into the game Ireland were able to exploit the extra space through captain Joy Neville’s try moments from the final whistle.

For a full schedule of all the 2010 Six Nations action, go here. For travel packages to England for the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup, go here.