Wales rally to run out easy winners

WALES U18s will go into the Easter International Series next weekend high on confidence after a 29-19 win over England in Ebbw Vale last Sunday

Two tries from No.8 Sam Moore had given England a 12-10 lead at the break before an impressive fightback from the hosts in the second half.

Cameron Redpath added a third for England in the second half but one try each from Dewi Cross, Harri Morgan and a penalty try was enough to see Wales seal the win after being beaten in France 46-34 the previous week.

“Rugby is all about character,” said Wales U18 head coach Geraint Lewis. “We wanted to see a response from the team, which we got.

“Hopefully they now realise how difficult international rugby is, and what underpins that is work rate and effort. I thought that was in abundance against England.”

It was the hosts who got off to the better start with an early penalty from Cai Evans and a try from James McCarthy giving Wales an early 10-0 lead.

However, England regularly showed their attacking threat in the first half and they were rewarded for their efforts with two late tries.

Sale back-rower Moore showed his strength and pace on two occasions to give the visitors the narrow lead at the break.

Wales fly-half Evans continued to impress after the break and his grubber kick allowed Cross to score in the corner to ensure the home side went 15-12 in front.

An excellent piece of individual play from the base of the scrum from Morgan extended Wales’ lead before Redpath hit back to cut the deficit to three points at 22-19. But a penalty try from a driving maul late in the game sealed the victory for Wales.

England will start the International Series against Canada on Saturday, while Wales will take on Scotland.