CHAMPIONSHIP achievement to senior level has proved an elusive target for Ireland in recent seasons. But at Ravenhill last night the Ireland schools provided season for celebration in international arena when they defeated Wales by 13 points to 12 and secured the Triple Crown.

It was the third Triple Crown for the Ireland schools since 1990. While the win was, as the score line indicates, hard earned, it was well merited and high a lighted by a great second half performance from the Ireland pack.

This latest success, allied to a similar achievement by the Ireland under 21 team last month, give indications that there is talent on line to provide more than a mere glimmer of optimism for the future. It also completed a great victory sequence over Wales this season adding to the wins achieved at senior, A and under 21 levels.

Played on a heavy surface, made more treacherous by a heavy down pour before the match, the conditions imposed their own demands. While Ireland made a good start with a try after seven minutes, the Welsh had taken a 12-10 lead by the interval.

The Irish boys were faced with a test of nerve and character in the second period and they passed it with first class honours. The tremendous ovation they got at the end was a fitting tribute from a receptive crowd.

A delighted Ireland coach Keith Patton was full of praise for his team. "Their performance in the second half was a tribute to their courage and resilience. The pack was superb and the cover defence was magnificent."

That was a very accurate assessment of the trend of the match. While Ireland made mistakes in the initial period, when Wales won good line out possession and used the ball well, the Irish youngsters steeled themselves for the challenge in the second half.

No praise is too high for the pack. Ireland lost their excellent number eight Len Cullen in the 49th minute. He had got a knock early in the game. His replacement, Stephen Kennedy, served the cause well when he came on. No one in the Irish pack played better than Peter Bracken who had a magnificent second half.

Ireland cut down the Welsh supremacy in the line out with Robert Casey winning some great possession and Ireland's play in the loose kept the Welsh tied down. Scrum half Ciaran Seally proved the ideal man at his forwards heels, while his partner, Brian O'Mahony, played with great common sense as he placed the ball behind the Welsh cover.

Flankers Barry Gibney and Tim Cahill were as effective as they were industrious. Although breached twice in the first half, Ireland's defence was excellent in the second half. Not an inch was given.

Ireland regained the lead seven minutes after the interval when O'Mahony kicked a penalty. It gave Ireland a precious one point lead that was superbly protected. They kept the Welsh in an iron a grip.

A great piece of play by centre Eamon Travers opened the way for the game's opening try from Gibney, after seven minutes O'Mahony converted. He subsequently missed two penalty chances and Wales hit back with a try from left wing Graham Thomas after a telling run down the touch line in the 12th minute.

O'Mahony then kicked a penalty to stretch Ireland's lead to 10-5 after 23 minutes before the Welsh out half Thomas Price made a superb break to score under the posts. Centre Stephen Jones converted to leave Wales two points ahead at the interval.