England Academy 39-0 Wales A  England U18 12-7 Wales U19

Victories for England Academy, who rounded off their season on a high, and England’s U18s, who achieved a well-earned victory in the first ever fixture for this new international age group, impressed spectators at Chester Rugby Club recently. An Academy side facing a more senior Wales A team, containing several first team players, produced a fine display of team work combined with brilliant individual performances, which was more than enough to overcome the Welsh opposition. Tries came from Vicky McCormack, Kim Shaylor, Claire Purdy, Sam Spence, Kelly Rush and Nolly Waterman.

With their opposition fired up by national anthems and a 200-strong crowd, England U18s didn’t get off to quite as good a start, conceding an early try to Wales’ scrum-half, Kerry Jenkins (UWIC). However, they replied quickly with a try from winger, Harriet Crockett (Avon and Bath Academy) set up by a break from fullback, Claire Allan (Clifton and Bath Academy). Fly-half, Kim Oliver (Clifton and Bath Academy) converted to bring the score to 7-7. Shortly before half time, the England pack finally started to throw off Wales’ domination of the scrum, delivering steady ball to the backs and Harriett Crockett took a good short ball at pace to score the second try for England in the corner. Half time changes brought fresh legs on, but the pressure began to show, as England received a yellow card for persistent offside and a red card for a late tackle. However, the fitness of the English squad finally told, as they held off ferocious Welsh attacks until the final whistle, winning 12-7. The England Management would like to thank Chester Rugby Club for hosting the event and for their fantastic hospitality.