Carys Phillips’ try just before half-time proved decisive as Wales overcame Ireland 24-5 to end their Women’s Six Nations campaign on a high.
Just one point separated the two teams heading into the final-day clash in Cardiff, with the hosts eventually securing bragging rights thanks to a stoic defensive performance and a late bonus point.
Beibhinn Parsons had given Ireland an early lead, but Jess Kavanagh hit back for Wales with a brilliant piece of wing play.
Siwan Lillicrap was then sent to the bin as the visitors turned up the heat, however Wales dug in and took the initiative through Phillips once they had returned to their full complement.
And with pride on the line, Rowland Phillips’ side repelled wave after wave of Irish pressure in the second period before Beth Lewis and Jasmine Joyce sealed maximum points.
It was Ireland who settled best in blustery conditions at Arms Park, and their spell of early dominance was rewarded when winger Parsons finished a sweeping move in the left corner on 14 minutes.
Yet despite an overwhelming territorial advantage, the game’s crucial second score went the way of the hosts, Kavanagh showing blistering speed down the left wing to level proceedings.
No. 8 Lillicrap received her marching orders for a high tackle just before the half-hour mark, but in adversity Wales remained strong, refusing to cede an inch as Ireland hammered away close to the try-line.
Emerging unscathed from the 10-minute period on the ropes, a fully replenished home side then pressed home their advantage a minute later when Phillips dotted down from the back of a powerful driving lineout.
Still the Irish tide refused to subside, but chances were few and far between until Wales clinched the win.
A scrum in the Irish 22 provided an ideal platform for the Welsh forwards to advance towards the line, with flanker Lewis crashing her way over to put her team two scores clear with just 10 minutes to play.
Winger Joyce then put the cherry on the cake of an impressive final-day display as she raced down the right to finish and secure the bonus-point.
Victory sees Wales finish the Women’s Six Nations in fourth place in the table, with Ireland just below them in fifth.
