The Republic of Ireland staged what may prove to be an important exercise in damage limitation when they fell to Wales 6-4 in the Snooker Nations Cup in Reading yesterday. At one stage the Irish team, led by captain Ken Doherty, trailed 6-1.

"We've still got everything to play for, but beating England and Scotland in our last two matches will obviously be very tough indeed," admitted Doherty.

"The difference between us and Wales was Matthew Stevens. He played brilliantly to snatch two frames away from us and that really hurt."

England, who have beaten Northern Ireland 7-3 and Scotland 6-4, are now the only team boasting a 100 per cent record, while Wales, who drew 5-5 with Scotland, are second in the table on four points, one ahead of the Republic of Ireland.

Nations Cup (at Hexagon Theatre, Reading): Wales bt Republic of Ireland 6-4 (Frame scores, Wales first: D Morgan bt K Doherty 61-48, M Stevens bt M Judge 101-38, M Williams bt F O'Brien 88-45, D Dale lost to Doherty 42-77, Stevens bt O'Brien 87-41, Williams bt Doherty 69-24, Dale bt O'Brien 100-1, Stevens lost to S O'Connor 9-73, Williams lost to Judge 0-72, Morgan lost to O'Connor 27-56).

League table: 1 England 6pts (13 frames), 2 Wales 4pts (11 frames), 3 Republic of Ireland 3pts (12 frames), 4 Scotland 1 (9 frames), 5 Northern Ireland 0 (5 frames).