By Barry McGuffog
Wales produced a commanding display to record a comprehensive 38-0 Men’s Celtic Cup victory over Scotland, with Lewis Ingram enjoying a debut to remember by scoring twice.
Ingram, representing Wales Students and Bridgend Blue Bulls, made history by becoming the first player from a Welsh Conference club to represent the Wales men’s side in 21 years.
Wales were ahead after just seven minutes when Ingram crossed in the corner. Matty Fozard was unable to add the extras, but the visitors doubled their advantage three minutes later. Will Jones finished in the opposite corner following a scrum awarded after a knock-on, which came after Scotland had attempted an interception. Fozard again missed the conversion.
Mike Butt extended the lead in the 12th minute, capitalising on a Scottish error to cross the line. Fozard was unable to convert.
Four minutes later, Sam Grice took advantage of another error, this time on the first tackle, to score. Charlie Newton took over the kicking duties and landed the conversion to make it 18-0.
Wales continued to press and added a fifth try in the 27th minute. Taine Woodford finished off a last-tackle play to stretch the advantage to 22 points, although Newton was unable to convert. Wales went into the interval with a comfortable 22-0 lead.
The second half followed much the same pattern, with Wales maintaining their grip on the contest.
Ant Walker crashed over from close range in the 53rd minute, capitalising on a short drop-off pass to power his way through the Scottish defence. Newton converted to make it 28-0.
Five minutes later, Oliver Garmston added another. Scotland’s last-tackle kick proved costly as Garmston gathered the ball and turned the error into points. Newton made no mistake with the conversion, taking Wales to 34-0.There was still time for Ingram to complete a memorable debut. The Bridgend Blue Bulls man crossed in the corner for his second try of the afternoon in the 68th minute. Newton was unable to add the extras.
This win means that Wales need just a draw against Ireland next Saturday at Merthyr Tydfil to win the Celtic Cup, following Ireland’s 46-12 win over Scotland last week.
