By Chris O'Brien,
October 22 2011
Scorpions duo Andrew Gay and Christiaan Roets were in action as Wales secured an impressive 30-6 victory over Ireland in their only Four Nations warm-up clash. An impressive crowd of 2,265 were at the Gnoll as the classy Welshman ran in six tries, with both Scorpions on the scoresheet!
Over 2,200 were at the Gnoll as Wales warmed up for the Four Nations with a thumping win over Ireland.
The sad demise of the Crusaders and the Scorpions' failure to make the Championship One play-offs paint a depressing picture for rugby league, but with the Four Nations on the horizon this is a hugely exciting time for the sport in the Principality.
Iestyn Thomas fielded 21 players during the game, though the bumper crowd may have been disappointed that former Union star and new Wigan Warrior Gareth Thomas sat out proceedings.
Gay and Lloyd White combined inside two minutes to break the deadlock, before Roets completed a fine attacking move on 27 minutes.
Tyson Frizzel of the Cronulla Sharks ran over Wales' third try on 30 minutes, with the hosts taking a 14-0 lead into the half-time interval.
After the break, tries from Mark Lennon, Elliot Kear and Jordan James kept Wales in control - with a late effort from Sheffield Eagles' Tim Bergin only consolation for the Irish side.
Tougher tests are ahead for Wales in the weeks which follow - but this six-try win should put Harris' men in a confident mood as international Welsh rugby league enters some of the biggest matches in its chequered history.
Full Time - Wales 30-6 Ireland
Attendance - 2,265
Referee: Thierry Alibert (France)
