Ireland and Wales shared the spoils after a see-saw Youth and Junior international at the National Centre in Cardiff this afternoon.
Dylan Eagleson and Rachael Lawless made it 2-1 to Ireland after three bouts but Romeo Costa restored parity before Martin McCullagh edged the visitors back in front.
Scott Jones levelled the 8-bout international versus John McConnell after a close three-rounder, but Aodhan Byrne nudged Ireland ahead.
Wales’ Paddy Murphy shaded Matthew Tyndall on a 3-2 split in the final bout of the session.
Martin Collins lost out to Harvey Williams in the opening bout of the afternoon after three tight rounds.
“We saw some fantastic boxing in all eight bouts today,” said Irish team manager Eugene Duffy. “Our boxers were a credit to the Association.
“Credit also to Irish coaches John Gallagher, Liam Cunningham and Nicole Meli and referee and judge Paul Mayse. The squad are looking forward to Sunday’s test.”
Both nations meet again at the same venue tomorrow. Boxing begins at 12pm.
Chloe Gabriel and Suffie Edris will line out for Ireland on Sunday.
(Image from today’s meeting in Cardiff)
Wales versus Ireland Cardiff
February 29
Junior
46kg Harvey Williams (Wales) beat Martin Collins (Ireland) 5-0
Youth
49kg Scott Richards (Wales) lost to Dylan Eagleson (Ireland) 1-4
51kg Zoe Andrews (Wales) lost to Rachael Lawless (Ireland) 2-3
52kg Romeo Costa (Wales) beat Jack Rapple (Ireland) 5-0
56kg Brandon Scott (Wales) lost to Martin McCullagh (Ireland) 0-5
60kg Scott Jones (Wales) beat John McConnell (Ireland) 5-0
60kg Jake Down (Wales) lost to Aodhan Byrne (Ireland) 1-4
64kg Paddy Murphy (Wales) beat Matthew Tyndall (Ireland) 3-2
Result: 4-4
Irish squad
45kg Martin Collins (Drimnagh)
49kg Dylan Eagleson (St Paul’s A)
52kg Jack Rapple (Monkstown, D)
51kg Chloe Gabriel (Mulhuddart)
51kg Rachael Lawless (Portlaoise)
54kg Suffie Edris (Monkstown D)
57kg Martin McCullagh (Gleann)
60kg John McConnell (Holy Trinity)
60kg Aodhan Byrne (Kilcullen)
64kg Matthew Tyndall (Dublin Docklands)
Team manager: Eugene Duffy
Coaches: John Gallagher, Liam Cunningham, Nicole Meli
R&J Paul Mayse (Tyrone)