Ireland avoided the wooden spoon in the inaugural Rugby League Triangular tournament with this impressive victory at Partick Thistle's soccer ground last night.

Ireland, with five full Britain internationals in their line-up, achieved their first victory in four attempts since being granted full international status two years ago.

France had already sealed the championship but Ireland, with Wigan prop Terry O'Connor outstanding on his debut, proved too strong for the workmanlike Scots. The Scots claimed as much territory and possession as the visitors, but were made to pay after failing to take their chances.

O'Connor won the man-of-the-match award but was run close for the accolade by St Helen's stand-off Tommy Martyn, who scored a decisive try in the second half to open up a 12-0 lead. Martyn was also involved in the build-up for the first try for Richard Smith in the 19th minute with the centre taking a pass from Steve Prescott. Brian Carney, the Dublin Blues winger, was the only amateur player in the Ireland team but again turned in a polished display to impress the watching Super League scouts.

His 60-metre dash into enemy territory set up another try chance for Smith - but referee John Connolly ruled that he was offside as he chased a kick behind the line.

Scotland hit back to 12-6 on the hour with a try from their best player, Warrington's John Duffy, who also converted it, but Ireland restored their advantage with a try from Mark Forster.

A Martin Crompton dropped goal made it 17-6 for Ireland before Logan Campbell went over for Scotland's final try in injury time, powering through after a surge by P J Solomon.

Scorers: Scotland: Duffy try, goal, Campbell try. Ireland: Martyn try, 2 goals, Smith, Forster tries, Crompton dropped goal.