Racing: Wales hoping Irish eyes are smiling on them in Carlow

Jul 13 2007 by Our Correspondent, South Wales Echo

WALES A face a tough trip to face Ireland at Carlow tomorrow (3pm) as both sides aim to build on their opening wins of this season’s Rugby League Home Nations campaign.

Wales beat Scotland 44-30 in Cardiff last month to head the table while Ireland produced a shock 28-22 win over England.

Welsh chairman Mark Rowley knows that the championship could come down to points difference this year and he is determined that Wales should go into the final game against England with two wins under their belt.

“It’s going to be a tough game,” Rowley said.

“We’ve seen the video of their win over England and they have some big lads.

“They are a well-drilled side and if Ireland beat us then I think they will go on to win the championship.

“However if we win, then it’s all to play for against England in Blackwood next month.”

Wales have five players with Celtic Crusaders experience in their squad.

Wales squad: David James (Blackwood Bulldogs), Paul Emmanuelli (Blackwood Bulldogs), Neil Dixon (Bridgend Blue Bulls), Karl Hocking (Bridgend Blue Bulls), Mark Jones (Valley Cougars), Gareth David (Bridgend Blue Bulls), Christian Roets (Bridgend Blue Bulls), Matthew Entwhistle (Torfaen Tigers), Jason Hill (Torfaen Tigers), Steve Mayley (Torfaen Tigers), Anthony Watts (Valley Cougars), Owen Lewis (Valley Cougars), Joey Davies (Cardiff Demons), Miles Davies (Cardiff Demons), Lee Williams (Valley Cougars), Daniel Blethyn (NPT Steelers), Dean Scully (NPT Steelers), John Bowd (Newport Titans).

MEANWHILE back in Wales, the battle for a home draw in the Co-operative Welsh Conference Premier play-offs continues as Blackwood Bulldogs face Valley Cougars at Glan-yr-Afon Park (2.30pm).

Both sides will be depleted with their best players in Ireland on Wales duty.

Three sides are currently battling for the third and fourth positions that will give them the crucial home draws in the first round next Saturday.

And it looks very likely that the loser of tomorrow’s contest will be the side that misses out, with Newport Titans favourites to beat West Wales Sharks in a game expected to be played next Wednesday.

A win for the Cougars, who are a point ahead of the Bulldogs and Tigers will guarantee them third place.