A FIRST-half hat-trick of tries from burly Scotland centre Mick Nanyn was all in vain as Wales stormed to victory in the rugbyleague.com European Cup final in Bridgend.

The Welsh twice came from behind to claim their first European title for 14 years and deliver a trophy in only Iestyn Harris' fourth match as head coach.

Inspired by clever stand-off Brendon Lindsay, Scotland produced some enterprising rugby to lead 10-4 - but Wales kept pace with them in a seesaw battle, before finishing the stronger side.

Nanyn took loose forward Lee Paterson's pass to force his way over for the game's opening try after six minutes and took two defenders over the line with him for his second midway through the first half.

Wales struck back to take a 14-10 lead thanks to tries from winger Ashley Bateman, full-back Elliot Kear and second rower Ben Flower - plus a goal by stand-off Lloyd White.

The Scots regained the lead 90 seconds before the interval when Nanyn took a return from his winger Jon Steel to complete his hat-trick - and scrum-half Gareth Moore kicked his second goal.

The lead then changed hands for a third and final time when centre Christiaan Roets, the only amateur in the final, scored Wales' fourth try - and White's goal made it 20-16.

As play swung from end to end, Moore dropped the ball after pulling off an interception - and the Scots had a try by second rower Richard Fletcher disallowed for offside.

Centre Lee Williams missed a glorious chance for Wales, spilling White's pass with the line at his mercy, but the pair combined more clinically on 58 minutes when the stand-off went over for the all-important try.

Winger Rhys Williams then made the game safe by squeezing over at the corner for Wales' sixth try.