Friday 1 February 2008

Wellington Bowl for England Sevens

England reach the Bowl in the IRB Wellington Sevens as a disappointing first day draws to a close.

England 17-21 Cook Islands

The Cook Islands - a collection of 14 small islands with a combined population of just 21,000 - put in a fantastic performance and shocked all at the Westpac Stadium by beating England in their first pool match of the day. The first half saw the Cooks take the lead 5-14 and despite second half scores from Danny Care (Harlequins) and sevens all time points scorer Ben Gollings (Toyota Shokki) it wasn't to be for England.

England: Isoa Damudamu (British Army/Newbury), James Collins (Worcester Warriors), Dominic Shabbo (London Irish), Anthony Elliott (Bristol Rugby), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks, Capt), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Gollings (Toyota Japan)

England scorers: Damudamu (t), Gollings (t), Care (t), Collins (c)

England 7-15 Wales

England were once again left trailing at half time against Wales as they went into the second half 0-10. The only try came from Ben Gollings who scored in the last minute of the second half.

England: Isoa Damudamu (British Army/Newbury), Anthony Elliott (Bristol Rugby), Andy Vilk (Sale Sharks, Capt), Danny Care (Harlequins), Ben Gollings (Toyota Japan), Ayoola Erinle (Leicester Tigers), Simon Hunt (Ebbw Vale)

England scorers: Gollings (t,c)

Fiji 17-7 England

Ben Gollings was once again the only scorer in England's final pool match in Wellington, England had a better match showing some real potential but Fiji - who also narrowly beat England in the Dubai leg of the tournament- were once again the better team.

England scorers: Gollings (t,c)

Coach Ben Ryan said: "We had some disappointing performances today, they were not performances expected of an England side. We must go away now and re-focus ready to face Canada tomorrow."

England will face Canada at 12.00am GMT on Saturday 2 February in the bowl quarter final in Wellington.

To follow the England Sevens go to www.rfu.com/sevens