Errors and indiscipline cost Wales U19 the match against England Lions, as we suffered a 28-16 loss at Centre de Ressources, Font Romeu in France on Wednesday.
Wales were leading 16-4 and looking good for it, only for Finlay Walker to be sinbinned, which is when England scored three tries to turn the game around.
We still had chances to win after that, but errors, coupled with some strong defending, cost us and gave England the win.
England started well. Kier Starkie found a gap to give them lead in the third minute. Eligh Wilkinson missed the kick.
The try scorer, plus Wales’ Finlay Walker, were both sent to the bin just before the 20-minute mark due to an altercation. Wales received the penalty and from the resulting set, Evan Rowlands scored in the corner. Kavan Phillips landed the conversion.
Alex Richardson soon added Wales’ second try, but Phillips couldn’t add the extras this time. Wales went into half-time 10-4 up.
The lead was increased seven minutes into the second half when Josh Harding dived over in the corner. Phillips converted again.
But after Walker received his second yellow of the game, this one for holding down in the tackle, England were given an advantage and scored three quick tries.
Immediately Rio Walker scored in the corner for another unconverted try.
They scored their second after Zak Bennett ran in unchallenged. Jaden Tallentire took over England’s kicking duties, but was also off-target, so despite the try-count being tied at three each, Wales were still 16-12 up.
But not for long. With the next try, Wales were left standing as Wilkinson scored under the sticks and this time had the confidence to convert, so England regained their lead, just as Wales were back to a full complement of players.
There was still time for Wales to recover the match, but it wasn’t to be.
England increased their lead on 69 minutes after tackling a Wales player into touch. They were given a set on Wales’ 20-metre line which resulted in Billy Joe Towers scoring. Wilkinson sliced the kick wide so Wales were still just a converted try behind, and still had hope.
But it was errors that cost Wales in the end. After being given a penalty, they lost the ball after two tackles. England worked their way upfield and Bailey Worthington sold a cheeky dummy to score the match clinching try. Wilkinson converted to put the score up to 28-16.
Wales now face Scotland on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) in our match.
