Welsh youngsters must lift their game

Jan 28 2008 by Our Correspondent, Western Mail

Wales U18 7-25 England Acads

ENGLAND ACADEMIES U18s were deserved winners of this non-capped game at, Pontypridd yesterday, writes Huw S Thomas.

Both countries rang the changes over three periods of play in a training match that was hotly contested.

Not too much attention should be paid to the result of a game involving 50 players, but Wales will have to show more urgency before they meet England in a full international in five weeks’ time.

England were better organised up front and stole a lot of Welsh ball at the breakdown, while behind the scrum they had an excellent general in fly-half Rory Clegg (Barnard Castle).

It was 7-7 after the first period, a try by Neath College wing Liam Powell cancelling out one by impressive England No 8 Rob Milligan.

England grew stronger as the game went on and two penalties from utility back Fred Burns (Bath College) and tries from Millfield prop Mako Vunipola and Barnard Castle full-back Tom Catterick left Wales with little to complain about.

Wales face the French Academies at Ebbw Vale on February 24, play capped internationals against England at Worcester on March 2 and Scotland at Ebbw Vale on March 16 before the Six Nations Festival in Cork, from March 26 to April 2.

Wales U18: Try – L Powell; con – M Jarvis

England Academies U18: Tries – R Milligan, M Vunipola, T Catterick; cons – R Clegg (2); pens – F Burns (2)