Wales 18-12 Scotland: First win since 2010 for Wales

John Kear led Wales to victory over Scotland at Wrexham

Wales have ended a five-year wait for a win after opening the 2015 European Championship with an 18-12 victory over Scotland at Wrexham.

The Welsh had suffered 12 successive defeats since beating France in Albi in 2010 but looked like a different side as they got the better of a Danny Brough-inspired Scotland team to deliver a first win for coach John Kear.

Wales looked lively from the start and, after winger Rhys Williams had been bundled into touch at the corner, hooker Steve Parry went on a solo run through the heart of the Bravehearts' defence for the first try.

Parry's Gloucestershire All Golds team-mate Courtney Davies kicked the conversion and added a penalty to give Wales an 8-0 lead.

Scotland scored their only first-half try on 26 minutes when a superb run from second rower Dale Ferguson took him all the way to the line and Brough added the conversion.

However, Wales struck a decisive blow five minutes before half-time when right winger Dalton Grant produced a devastating finish in the corner for a second try.

Scotland were rejuvenated at the start of the second half and Wales were forced to defend heroically to keep their lead intact, as Ferguson and his Bradford team-mate Danny Addy were both held up over the line.

Davies then opened up an eight-point gap with a second penalty before prop Anthony.

Walker went over for Wales' third try after Williams had done well to re-gather the ball from Ollie Olds' high kick and keep the move alive.

That try came against the run of play and the visitors continued to lay siege to the Wales line, second rower Sonny Esslemont becoming the third Scotland player to be held up over the line.

The Welsh defence was eventually prised open by Addy, and winger Oscar Thomas went over for Scotland's second try.

Brough kicked the touchline conversion, but the Scots were unable to strike again before time ran out.