Ireland reach first final

SPORTS DIGEST/Rugby League: Ireland have reached the final of Rugby League's European Nations Cup for the first time after beating Scotland 43-10 thanks to a brilliant second-half display in Navan last night.

A try from Spencer Miller and three goals from Danny Brough had Scotland in front 10-3 at the break. Ireland, though, inspired by captain Phil Cantillon, took control in the second period. Cantillon led the way with four of Ireland's seven tries.

Ireland will face the winners of today's game between England and France in the final at Warrington on Sunday week.

IRELAND: Littler (Salford), De Chenu (Sheffield), Maye (Swinton), Doran (Oldham), Dowling (Kilkenny), Fitzpatrick (Salford), Weisner (Halifax), Southern (Rochdale), Cantillon (capt, Halifax), McDermott (Leeds), McConnell (Barrow), Corcoran (Halifax), Bates ( Halifax). Subs: Foy (Kerry), Darley (Dewsbury), McLoughlin (Oldham), Gallagher, (Leeds).

CYCLING: Despite widespread speculation that Mario Cipollini would announce his retirement from cycling at a press conference held yesterday morning in Milan, the 37-year-old sprinter has instead confirmed he will give it one more blast in 2005. The former world road race champion has signed a deal with the Liquigas team for next season, lining out alongside fellow Italians Stefano Garzelli, David Dario Cioni and Franco Pellizotti.

SQUASH: Number one seed Derek Ryan last night had an easy win in the first round of the Leinster Open when he outclassed David Cassidy to win 3-0 at Mount Pleasant, Dublin. John Abrahamse, the number two seed, beat Rory Byrne, the 15-year-old junior. Although beaten 3-0 Byrne showed glimpses of his talent to keep Abrahamse on court for over 30 minutes.

TENNIS: Tim Henman was knocked out of the quarter-finals of the Swiss Indoors tournament yesterday, falling 7-6, 7-5 to unseeded Czech Jiri Novak.

It was Novak's second triumph over the world number four in the space of three months, following his first-round defeat of Henman at the Athens Olympics. Novak, currently ranked 20th in the world, faces Austria's world number 73 Stefan Koubek for a place in tomorrow's final.

GREYHOUND RACING: Curraheen Park hosts the final of the €70,000 Cashman's Bookmakers Irish Laurels this evening. One of the greyhound season's richest classics, the quality of the final line-up at the Cork track tonight will ensure a big attendance for the 525-yard race.

IRISH LAURELS FINAL: T1. Cavecourt Jon 13/2; T2. Boherduff Light 7/4; T3. Jesceda Lad 9/2; T4. Tourna Star 28/1; T5. Farloe Pocket 13/8; T6. Rhincrew Shergar 12/1.