In overcast but otherwise excellent conditions for rugby the game was hard fought right from the start. The fixture is always played under intense pressure.  

 

The opening score came after 10 minutes when a long kick downfield from the Welsh was fielded by England fullback Charlie James who took the ball forward to link with the backs.  Some slick passing placed the ball in the hands of new cap Liam Roads who sprinted in at the corner.

  

The conversion was narrowly missed.

 

The remainder of the half consisted of both teams having opportunities but failing to capitalise on them.  But as the half closed Wales forwards pressed hard and forced a try in the corner by James Evans.  

 

The conversion was missed.  Half time – 5pts : 5pts

 

The second half started with England pressing hard and nearly scoring but for foul play by the Welsh resulting in a yellow card against Wales player Daniel Hopkins and a penalty for England converted by new cap Graham Sage playing scrum half.  - 8pts : 5pts

 

Five minutes later Wales pressed forward and were awarded a penalty, by Richard Lewis bringing the scores level again.  - 8pts : 8pts

 

Within 3 minutes England were awarded another penalty but this time near the 10 metre line and close to touch.  The impressive Sage kicked it to give England a lead that they never thereafter lost. 11pts : 8pts

 

The score remained the same until 5 minutes before time when England turned the ball over in the loose, sent the ball through the hands of their backs and into the hands of winger Adam Faulkner who outpaced three Wales players to score near the posts.  Sage converted.

18pts : 8pts 

 

England continued to press for more points and one minute before time were rewarded with a penalty under the posts which was again converted by Sage.

21pts : 8pts

 

The game was marred by a headbutting incident in the last few minutes for which Wales, player Adam Brake was given a red card for and England lost their Captain, Ian Collins, as a result of a serious head wound caused by the incident.

FINAL SCORE 21pts to 8pts

 

Until that point Collins had been an immense figure, leading the team by example in his first game as Captain.

Management awarded Graham Sage as their Player of the Match

 

The unsung heroes must also be mentioned:

 

Aldam Mills - Head Coach

Mal Chumbley - Asst Coach

Andy Stonehouse - Players Manager

Keith McAllister - Assistant

Mike Ho - Physio
Mary Lewis - Head Communicator

Lynda Marr - Communicator

Amy Wright - who is currently studying to be a qualified Sports Therapist, also joined us at the weekend, of whom Mike Ho has expressed he was very appreciative of her support throughout the weekend, certainly took the pressure off him at times
Thanks Amy!

A special mention to Susan James who manages the England Deaf Squad's playing Kit - they looked perfect before the match and after the match!!!...Thank you !

 

Yours in Rugby!

 

Lyndon James - Secretary

Tony Stoyles - Director of Rugby