Ireland 21-23 Wales (From Western Telegraph)

Ireland 21-23 Wales

1:30pm Wednesday 8th February 2012 in Sport

JONATHAN Davies had a Six Nations day to remember as Wales claimed a thrilling 23-21 win over Ireland on Sunday.

The former Whitland player scored a brace of tries with two superb finishes – and also had a hand in George North’s late score.

With his team trailing 3-0, Davies’ first struck in the 14th minute following a good offload from outside half Rhys Priestland. The 23-year-old showed expert composure to touch down one handed in the left corner, despite the attentions of the Irish cover defence.

But a converted try from home hooker Rory Best saw the Irish regain the lead before half time, and a second penalty from Jonathan Sexton immediately after the break made it 13-5. But Leigh Halfpenny, taking over the kicking duties after three misses from Priestland, pulled three points back before Davies struck again.

Following a powerful run and deft offload from North, Davies sped through a gap before beating Irish full back Rob Kearney and going under the posts.

The momentum swung again as another Sexton penalty and unconverted try from winger Tommy Bowe seemingly won it for the Irish – but four minutes from time Jamie Roberts and Davies combined to set up North who scored in the corner.

Despite Halfpenny’s conversion drifting wide, the full back made no mistake with a penalty three minutes later after Stephen Ferris was adjudged to have ‘tip tackled’ Ian Evans.

Another former Whitland man, Mike Phillips, also impressed at scrum half, going close with a snipe in the first half.

The Bayonne player was given the man of the match award - although was perhaps fortunate to get the nod over Davies.