Rugby Football Union - Sevens - Danny shows he cares as England reach Bowl Final in Scotland Sevens

England 24 (AET)

Australia 19

England Under 20s captain Danny Care of NEC Harlequins scored two tries to help England overcome Australia in the Bowl Semi Final at Murrayfield this afternoon. The match went into extra time and it was a try by Michael Hills of Sale Sharks who cemented England’s place in the Bowl Final against Portugal in the Emirates Airline Scotland Sevens.

England began with good possession but couldn’t break the Australian defence and the first try went to Australia. England retaliated with a great break from 21 year old Charlie Amesbury but he was tripped and couldn’t chase his own chip. The trip resulted in Anthony Faingaa of Australia being sin binned, and England made the most of the advantage as Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks) crossed the line.

Danny Care’s first try came next but it was his second which was more impressive as he chipped the ball and ran to score under the posts. England led 19 5 at the break.

Australia began the second half stronger with a try by Nathan Trist taking the scores to within one try. Ben Foden made a good break but found himself isolated with no-one to pass to. Replacement Michael Hills almost scored but was tackled just before crossing the line. Care continued his good performance with a great tackle to prevent an Australian try in the final seconds of the match. However Australia did manage to break through England’s defence to level the scores with just seconds remaining, taking the match to extra time.

With the first to score progressing to the Bowl Final the pressure was on both teams but it was England’s chance and Hills crossed the line to secure the victory.

England play Portugal in the Bowl Final at 17.50.

England:

Tries: Vilk, Care (2), Hills

Conversions: Care (2)

England:

Tony Roques, captain (Cornish All Blacks); Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks), Ben Foden (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (NEC Harlequins), Tom Williams (NEC Harlequins), Dave Seymour (Saracens), Charlie Amesbury (NEC Harlequins)

Replacements: Noah Cato (Saracens), Michael Hills (Sale Sharks)

Not used: Rob Thirlby (Redruth), Isoa Damudamu (Newbury Blues / British Army), Danny Gray (Bristol)

Having lost to Argentina and New Zealand in yesterday’s pool games and competing in their second bowl competition of two weeks, England faced a must win match against Canada to ensure they weren’t knocked into the Shield competition.

England started well with a try by Sale Sharks scrum half Ben Foden. Canada came back with a try by captain Phil Mack which was successfully converted taking Canada into the lead.

England Sevens new boy Noah Cato of Saracens scored next on only his second tournament with England Sevens. An unsuccessful conversion by Danny Care meant that England led 10 7 at the break.

Rob Thirlby scored early in the second half thanks to a pass by Care to enable him to score his landmark try. He then scored a second and England’s victory was secure. England’s last try was a second for Cato and the final score of 29 7 meant that England face

Australia

in the semi final of the bowl competition.

Speaking after the match Rob Thirlby said, “Getting the 100^th try was a little bit on my mind going into the game and it was a relief to score it and get it out the way. It’s a nice landmark to have reached. Yesterday was so disappointing. We have worked so hard over the last couple of years to establish a successful team and our performance right now is letting us down.”

England: Tony Roques, captain (Cornish All Blacks); Noah Cato (Saracens), Rob Thirlby (Redruth), Michael Hills (Sale Sharks), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks), Ben Foden (Sale Sharks), Danny Care (NEC Harlequins)

Reps: Tom Williams (NEC Harlequins), Dave Seymour (Saracens), Danny Gray (Bristol)

Not used: Charlie Amesbury (NEC Harlequins), Isoa Damudamu (Newbury Blues / British Army)