Tyrrell sets up Grand Slam decider

IRELAND edged Wales out at the Arms Park yesterday to keep their Grand Slam hopes alive ahead of their clash against England.

Tries from loosehead Lindsay Peat and wing Hannah Tyrrell sets up a spicy decider in the Donnybrook fixture next Friday, giving Ireland the chance to claim a third title in five years and replicate the grand slam side of 2013.

Desperate to remember the late Elli Norkett, Wales put in a proud performance and only trailed 7-0 after prop Lindsay Peat went over just before the break.

The home-side’s Shona Powell-Hughes levelled the score shortly after but Tyrrell’s try onthe 63rd minute proved to be the match-winner for the girls i n green.

Ireland fly-half Nora Stapleton, said: “There’s been a lot of talk about the England game but it’s actually happening now and we can’t wait to play it.”

Wales dominated the early exchanges but Ireland held strong and turned defence into attack in the final minute of the half, kicking a penalty to the corner before Peat barged over. But Peat saw yellow for having her hands in the ruck and Wales hit back with No.8 Powell-Hughes powering over from the back of a fivemetre scrum.

The Irish maintained the pressure and, when Wales lost tighthead Amy Evans to the bin for a high tackle, they struck again.

Three times Wales’ defence held them up on the home side’s try line, but finally they spread the ball wide to the right where Tyrrell was able to cross in the corner to seal the match-winner.