Weisner drop goal hat-trick boosts Irish

IRELAND'S Rugby League side got their European Nations Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 25-12 victory over Wales at Aberavon yesterday.

Despite a slow start Ireland opened the scoring through Phil Cantillon after 21 minutes and three tries in seven minutes just before half-time effectively sealed victory. Tony Stewart, Carl De Chenu and Stuart Littler touched down to send Ireland into the interval with an 18-0 lead.

Littler extended Ireland's lead early in the second-half but a Welsh rally, which saw them score two converted tries in as many minutes, reduced the deficit to 22-12 as the game reached it's final quarter.