Wales U16 13 England U16 12
Wales U16 kicked off a Four Nations tournament in the Lyon region, France with a well-earned 13-12 victory over England.
England, unbeaten at this age group since 2003, dominated the first half and went in 12-3 up at the break with two tries from wings Sam Edgerley (Wellington College/ Surrey) and Alex Lewington (Nottingham High School) and a conversion from outside half George Ford, son of England Defence Coach Mike, with Wales only adding a Diggy Bird penalty.
But Simon Davies’s Welsh side hit back immediately after half-time with a try for replacement No.8 Daniel Baker (Ospreys) and with Blues South outside half Diggy Bird adding a conversion and a penalty to his first half goal, they sneaked ahead with five minutes to go and held on for the home nations bragging rights.
There were performances to note for Ospreys wing Eli Walker and Blues North openside flanker Thomas Young, son of Blues Head Coach Dai, who produced a good all-round performance, particularly in the second half.
France and Italy make up the Four Nations participants, both countries fielding U17 sides. France are Wales’s next opponents, at Vienne on Sunday.
Wales U16:
Try: Daniel Baker (Ospreys)
Con: Diggy Bird (Blues South)
Pens (2): Diggy Bird (Blues South)
Wales U16 squad: Tom Prydie (Ospreys), Harley Thomson (Blues North), Owen Williams (Blues North), Eli Walker (Ospreys), George North (Scarlets), Dale Ford (Scarlets), Sam Campbell (capt, Blues North), Luke Williams (Scarlets), David Bird (Blues South), Joseff Griffin (Blues North), Aled Davies (Scarlets), Ryan Jones (Ospreys), Lewis Smout (Blues North), Tarian Emmanuel (Blues North), James Cromwell (Scarlets), Carl Williams (Blues North), Owen Davies (Blues North), Samson Lee (Scarlets), Luke Hamilton (vice-capt, Scarlets), Macauley Cook (Blues North), Rhydian Wilson (Dragons), Thomas Young (Blues North), David Barry (Blues North), Gareth Evans (Dragons), Kirby Perego-Myhill (Scarlets), Daniel Baker (Ospreys)
