After falling behind early to Bourke's fist try early on, Welsh centres Elen Evans and Adi Taviner struck to put the home team in the driving seat.

Another Bourke try on 68 minutes set up a grandstand finish but Wales held on for a morale-boosting second victory of the women's RBS 6 Nations.

Following their surprise loss to Italy, Wales made the worst possible start when they conceded a lineout deep in their own 22 and Ireland retained possession for Bourke to barrel her way over. Full-back Niamh Briggs converted for an early 7-0 lead.

Wales hit back almost instantly when a well-worked move saw Evans pick a great line to slash he way through under the posts.

Aimee Young converted and then nudged Wales in front with a penalty shortly afterwards.

Just before the break, Wales grabbed a decisive second try when No.8 Jenny Davies chipped ahead and Taviner reacted quickest to touch down in the corner for an unconverted score.

The second half became a war of attrition as Wales desperately defended their eight-point advantage.

With 12 minutes to go, Ireland did make the breakthrough when Ireland's forwards rumbled their way towards the line and Bourke was able to grab her second score - but ultimately it proved not enough for Ireland to complete their comeback.