Fletcher’s unbeaten boys put Scotland to sword

ENGLAND finished the U18s International Series unbeaten after they secured a seventry 45-24 victory over Scotland last Sunday.

England fought back from trailing 14-5 early in the first half with tries from Arron Reed, Joe Heyes and Andy Christie handing John Fletcher’s side a 19-14 lead at the break.

Then tries from substitutes Sam Grahamslaw, Marcus Street, Cameron Redpath and Oli Morris gave England their third successive win.

Earlier in the series, England defeated Ireland U18 39-20 and they secured a 55-11 win over Canada U19 in their opening game.

England U18 head coach Fletcher said: “I thought some of the rugby on show was outstanding and we created a number of opportunities.

“It was an exciting game and I have to say fair play to Scotland who played really well.

“The U18 International Series has gone well for us and it’s important we continue to expose these players to different environments and oppositions.

“We are really excited by this group of players coming through the pathway.”

Wales looked set to end the week undefeated but late tries from Eoin Barr and Dan O’Donovan gave Ireland a 38-36 win.

Tries from Taine Basham, Harri Morgan and Tom Hoppe had put Wales 24-10 ahead at the break but Ireland clinched it despite James McCarthy going over for the hosts who were also awarded a late penalty try.

Wales coach Danny Milton said: “To score 36 points with only 30 per cent possession can be considered a real plus but we’ve got to learn to control the game a little bit better.

“But the momentum changed and Ireland got on top, and if we’re honest probably deserved the victory.”