Fletcher’s lads off to flyer against Canada
England U18s 55 Canada U19s ..11
ENGLAND U18s scored nine tries as they got their international series off to a winning start at Taffs Well RFC yesterday.
Oli Morris, Nic Dolly, Cameron Kelemeti, Marcus Smith and Andy Christie all scored in an open first half to carve out a 29-11 advantage.
Sale’s Dolly added his second early in the second half before substitutes Cameron Redpath (2) and Ollie Fox added further tries to earn John Fletcher’s side a comfortable victory.
“I’ve played against these boys quite a lot this season in the club academy league so to get the opportunity to captain the team is a massive honour,” said England fly-half Marcus Smith.
“Canada were a very physical opposition for us today and I thought we responded well to that, scoring some nice tries in the process.
“We’ll enjoy the win, however it is important we look out how we can improve in our next game against Ireland on Wednesday.”
England made a fast start as Morris, younger brother of England U20 centre Dominic, opened the scor- ing after just two minutes.
Hooker Dolly then finished off a brilliant solo run from captain Smith before lively No.9 Kelemeti gave England their third try with less than 20 minutes on the clock.
Despite Canada centre Elias Ergas displaying his pace for their first score, Smith and Saracens No.8 Christie both showed their quality to round off a fine first-half.
England kept Canada scoreless in the second half with Dolly grabbing his second of the afternoon before Redpath, son of former Scotland international Bryan, and Fox came off the bench to complete the scoring with three late tries.