Ireland defeat Spain to take European Plate

IRELAND finished their European Women’s championship challenge very strongly on Saturday, beating their Six Nations opponents Spain 20-12 in Toulouse, France.

Outscoring their opponents by four tries to two, the win means that Ireland finish a credible fifth in the tournament and take home the European Plate title for their efforts.

Tries were scored by Rachel Boyd, Patrique Kelly, Joy Neville and Nuala Ní Chadhain.

Victories against Italy and Spain, after an opening day defeat by Wales, means that Ireland have recorded their first back to back test wins since the World Cup in 2002.

The final round results were: Wales 10 Scotland 11, Ireland 20 Spain 12, Italy 13 Sweden 0.

IRELAND: A Greensmith, (Shannon), L Cantwell, (UL-Bohs), S Fleming, (Cooke, Capt.), P Kelly, (UL-Bohs), Sarah Jane Belton, (UL-Bohs), Tania Rosser, (Blackrock), F Coghlan, (UL-Bohs), J Lonergan (Shannon), Magali Dolo, (SNUC Nantes), R Foley, (Shannon), A M McAllister, (Shannon), E O’Sullivan, (Shannon) , Rachel Boyd (Cooke), J Neville, (Shannon). Replacements: Laura Geist, (Shannon), Manuella McCarthy, (Blackrock), Jen Leacy, (Blackrock), Rachel Tucker, (UL-Bohemians) L Beamish (UL-Bohs), Joanne O’Sullivan (Lichfield), Nicki Milne (Worcester).