A new England U19s squad playing their first match lost by 13-12 to a more experienced Wales U19 team at a blustery Taffs Well recently.

With a return match scheduled for Sunday April 25th at Broadstreet RFC, the England players will have the chance to demonstrate lessons learned in their inaugural game. Wales U19s had already played a warm up against a Welsh club side and they quickly gelled, making good use of their fly half’s boot and securing their first try after 15 minutes thanks to England indecision at the lineout.

England left wing Jo Watmore levelled the score after 30 minutes with a superb break from under her own posts and unmatchable pace. A second England try came just after half time when right wing Kat Merchant raced ahead from a break by centre Michaela Staniford and, with Alice Richardson converting, England were 5-12 up. Great breaks were made by the England backs through centres Dani Knight and Michaela Staniford and powerful tackling was evident from captain Kat Merchant and open-side flanker Sam Cornborough.

However, a try from Wales at 45 minutes, which the referee judged to be inside the corner flag, made it 10-12 and two minutes later a Welsh penalty sealed England’s fate.

Said England U19 coach Phil Forsyth, “Many of last year’s U19s having moved up to more senior sides, this was the first match for many of the girls. Inexperience cost free kicks and penalties, but once we have the chance to regroup at training, the only direction we will go is forward. It should be a very exciting game at Broadstreet and one I believe we will win.”