IRELAND END SCOTLAND’S HOPES OF RETAINING RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP
A late try from Ireland fullback Scott Grix consigned Scotland to a 24-22 defeat in an entertaining Rugby League European Championship clash at Galashiels.
After trailing at the break, a second half comeback edged Scotland ahead, but Grix’s late weaving score clinched victory for the visitors and consigned the Scots to their second defeat in this season’s competition, leaving them with no chance of retaining the title they won last year.
“When you have people like Bob Beswick, Liam Finn and Grixy it calms us down,” said Ireland coach Mark Aston. “I thought Will Hope was absolutely enormous for us as was Oliver Roberts. The pack of forwards worked really hard and that’s where the win was based. We got our just reward.
“We had some domestic players on the bench so it’s a nice blend. They’re a good group and they don’t cause me any problems. We’ll have a bit of a celebration tonight and then a bit of a break.”
Ireland now join Wales and France on one win apiece, with those two sides set to meet in Cardiff this coming Friday.
