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Bennett’s intervention proves crucial

Bennett’s intervention proves crucial

Wales Under 19s Development repelled the challenge from their England counterparts with a consummate display at Rodney Parade last night to secure a hard fought 13-10 victory.

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The home side were behind narrowly at the break but in the second half, after coach Kevin George made a couple of tactical changes at the interval, Wales turned the screw with a number of players putting their hands up with telling displays.

The front row of Sean McDonald-Roberts, Evan Yardley and Bradley Thyer put in a good shift at the coalface while Carwyn Jones and Lance Randell stood out in the second row.

No 8 Matthew Jenkins also impressed at the back of the scrum, giving his side plenty of go forward and momentum while in the backs Dion Jones produced anaccomplished performance at full back.

Fly half Ben Thomas put Wales in front after 19mins with a penalty before England nudged ahead with an unconverted try by England flanker Cameron Neild. Thomas responded with another well struck penalty but England went into the break 6-10 ahead after the red rose brigade steamed over on the stroke of halftime.

The game could have gone either way in the second half but it swung in Wales’ favour on the 51st minute through an interception try by captain Sion Bennett. Replacement Nial Martin banged over the conversion to put Wales back in front at 13-10.

Stern defence held out England as Bennett led his men to a memorable victory.

“We started brightly playing up the slope and created a couple of opportunites,” said George. “In the first half a lot of the game was played around the middle of the field. England were a very physical side. We made a few changes at halftime and in the second half we played with a bit more width.

“Our defence was excellent and the interception from midfield turned the tide for us. Ultimately we deserved the win as it was an excellent effort from the boys.

“A number of players put their hands up with solid performances and the subs who came on added to the effort put in. The match gave a number ofplayers an opportunity to play at this level and will stand them in good stead for the Under 20s next season.”

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