Rugby league: Scots finish on a high in Dublin with biggest win over Irish

Scotland completed their Alitalia European Cup with a seven-try trouncing of Ireland in Dublin to avoid the wooden spoon.

Scotland followed last week's improved display in defeat in France with exhilarating second-half play to clinch their biggest ever win over the Irish. Four players scored their first international tries - Wakefield's Dale Ferguson got two, Huddersfield teenager Joe Wardle and prop Mitchell Stringer scored their first Scotland points, while Workington full-back Brett Carter, who replaced Danny Brough in the side, marked his Scotland debut with a try. Other try-scorers were brothers Kevin and Andrew Henderson, with Lee Paterson of Carpentras kicking six goals, and Brendan Lindsay one.

The victory ended a run of six straight defeats to Ireland and left Scotland third in the table behind Wales and France, after Wales clinched their place in next season's Four Nations tournament with a thrilling 12-11 win in France on Saturday.

"This was just the performance we were hoping for from the players," admitted Bravehearts coach Steve McCormack. "I'm delighted that we finished the season on a high after all the hard work everyone put in."