WALES thrilled the home crowds by beating defending champions England and pre-tournament favourites Scotland to win the 2015 Celebrity Cup at Celtic Manor Resort in Newport.

Led by comedian Rob Brydon and inspired by a first appearance from Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, Wales won all three matches in the final, held on Sunday, to trounce the Scots and claim the trophy for the first time.

“I can’t believe what we’ve done,” said skipper Rob Brydon. “Gareth Bale has just been out of this world but all the boys have all played brilliantly. It’s like we’ve got a Merlin in our side with Gareth Edwards.

“We’ve done this for Dylan Thomas, we’ve done this for Richard Burton, we’ve done this for Owain Glyndwr… we’ve done it for Shakin’ Stevens. And we’ll do it again.

“What a way to finish a fantastic weekend at the beautiful Celtic Manor. We’ve had a great weekend and I’ve loved it. Thank you to everyone who came out and supported us all the way around this arduous golf course.”

Scotland had been installed 6-4 pre-tournament as their team was packed with competitive sportsmen including football legends Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Gordon Strachan, and rugby star turned Strictly heartthrob Thom Evans.

Yet Wales, whose other team members were Gethin Jones, Andrew Howard and Phil Glenister, swept the Scots aside as a lunchtime storm gave way to afternoon sunshine. Gareth Bale added: “My highlight of the tournament was on the last green in the final when we realised Team Wales had won. It was amazing and all of the players have been amazing.”

Saturday’s glittering gala dinner raised more than £50,000 for the tournament’s official charity, the Caron Keating Foundation.

England, whose team included TV stars Vernon Kay, Ben Shephard and Peter Jones alongside Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall, beat an Irish team containing singing sensations Ronan Keating and Brian McFadden to claim third place.