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Wales started their defence of the Under-16s rugby league Four Nations tournament with a comprehensive 44-12 win over Ireland in Dublin on Saturday June 1.

The victory was Wales’ fourth out of four over Ireland at this level, and it was an excellent performance from the young Welsh.

However it didn’t go all their way at the start. Tommy Rhodes broke and kicked well for Ryan Crawford to gather and score. Rhodes converted and Ireland were 6-0 up on eight minutes.

But that was as good as it was going to get for the home side. On 16 minutes, Wales won a repeat set, then a penalty and Aber Valley Wolves’ Morgan Marozzelli, one of just five players remaining from last year’s side, scored in the corner. Matthew Clatworthy converted to level the scores.

Then eight minutes later, following an Ireland error, Joseph Johnson, also of Aber Valley Wolves, scored in the corner to give Wales the lead.

As soon as Ireland regained the ball, they gave it away. Ralf Roberts intercepted and ran to the line with Clatworthy converting.

And just before half-time, it was a flying finish from Roberts in the corner after running through. The try wasn’t converted and Wales led 20-6 at the break.

Two minutes after half-time, Wales captain Samuel Dickenson was the next Wales player on the board and Clatworthy converted.

From kick-off, Dickenson raced through once more, with Clatworthy again adding the goal. Wales were 32-6 up with only five minutes gone in the second half.

Three minutes later, Evan Williams crossed after doing well to keep the ball alive. Clatworthy converted.

And then on 51 minutes, Dickenson fed Johnson for him to score his second, which Clatworthy converted again.

That was it for the Wales scoring. Ireland did manage a try back on the hour through Sean Tworney after a brief spell of pressure. Rhodes converted and after that, the defences from both sides remained strong, but Wales had done more than enough for a big win.