DESPITE a battling Irish performance, the French Armed Forces had a comfortable victory in the 12th Annual CISM rugby match at Sydney Parade yesterday.

The French raced into a seven point lead after only three minutes, with fullback Stephane Longo converting from Olivier Camborde's well worked try.

The Irish however, fought back to lead by two points at the break after two fine drop goals and a penalty kick from out half Mick Brennan.

The French were quick to reply after the restart when Camborde dived over for his second try in the 44th minute. Mick Brennan kept the Irish in touch with another penalty kick seven minutes later. But the result was beyond all doubt when the French men ran in two more trys in the 56th and 73rd minutes.