The hosts took an early lead when fly-half Cai Evans slotted an eighth-minute penalty, but Wales really bared their teeth five minutes later when James McCarthy touched down following a terrific team move down the right wing – converted by Evans – to take a 10-point lead.
England struck back twice before half-time through their fleet-footed workhorse of a number eight, Sam Moore – only one of whose tries was converted by fly-half Kieran Wilkinson – to take a 10-12 lead into the second half.
On 44 minutes, a moment of inspiration from Evans saw the fly-half grubber the ball into the corner, where it was plucked by wing Dewi Cross for a fine score. Evans continued to impress, converting Cross’s try from the touchline. 17-12.
When live-wire scrum-half Harri Morgan sprinted away from the back of a scrum in the English 22 to score, that might have been the end of the contest, but England weren’t to be disheartened. Replacement back Cameron Redpath dashed over the line for a converted try with fewer than 10 minutes left.
With only three points now in it at 22-19, Wales would have been forgiven for opting to kick a penalty at goal when the option was presented. Instead, they kicked to the corner and were rewarded when, moments later, the referee ran under the posts for a penalty try.
The score now read 29-19, which is how it remained as Wales controlled the closing stages effectively to see out what had been a truly entertaining contest in Blaenau Gwent.
