March 10, 2008

England Deaf 25 Scotland Deaf XV 15

Bridgnorth scrum half Adam Smallwood scored the game-clinching try as England Deaf beat a Scotland Deaf XV at Broadstreet RFC.

Smallwood darted round the edge of a ruck to finish off a series of close-range drives from England’s impressive forwards 10 minutes from time.

Tunbridge Wells centre Guy Lavery added a second conversion to go with his two penalties to secure victory in an entertaining game after the Scots had fought their way back into the match to trail by only three points going into the closing stages.

Earlier New Brighton full back Charlie James and Petersfield prop Nick Todd also touched down as England made amends for their heavy defeat at the hands of Wales last month.

"We had seven new caps in the side against Wales, so it took us a while to build on that first game together and we’ve made a good deal of progress," said director of rugby Tony Stoyles.

"The Scots had a big pack but we scrummaged well against them and might have scored more points on another day."

Handsworth flanker Henry Skinner impressed on his debut and number eight Ian Collins (Sevenoaks) and lock Kris Mannering (Guildford) were at the heart of England’s improved effort up front.

The England squad was drawn from club-registered players from across the country who have a certified hearing impairment - the equivalent of being fully deaf in one ear - although many of the players have a profound hearing impairment.

The England v Scotland match was supported by the National Deaf Children's Society and preceded by a morning coaching session for youngsters with hearing impairments.

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