The Men’s event in the 2015 Home Internationals came to a dramatic conclusion on Monday with England denying the Republic of Ireland glory in Leeds.
With both countries standing on 9 points from their opening five matches – with four wins and one draw apiece – the annual amateur tournament came down to the final encounter of the round-robin format.
With a greater frames difference, the Irish outfit consisting of Rodney Goggins, Greg Casey, David Cassidy and John O’Sullivan needed just a draw to regain the Prince of Wales Shield for the first time since 2012.
However, England’s quartet of Nick Jennings, Jake Nicholson, Ryan Causton and Shaun Wilkes earned an impressive 9-3 triumph to be crowned champions.
It marks the third successive year that Ireland has finished second and it must be tough to take having come so close again.
Earlier in the group, Ireland whitewashed Isle of Man 12-0 which came alongside other very strong outings against Wales, Scotland A and Scotland B.
Their only draw was against Northern Ireland, who themselves finished third overall and actually finished the event unbeaten.
England also took the spoils in the Masters category while the underage and billiards disciplines will take place in the second half of this week.