In front of over a thousand fans at The Lextan Gnoll in Neath, Wales U16 pulled off an outstanding win against England to clinch the U16 Four Nations unbeaten for a second year in a row.

The two sides came into the game completely level on competition points and points difference, so the form would have said that this would be an even game.

However, it was anything but. Wales were only 12-0 up at half-time thanks to two converted tries but they had three more disallowed.

It was only early in the mid stages of the second half where Wales made a few errors and completion rate went down that there were a few concerns, but they finished well to seal a well-deserved win, and still remain unbeaten in the two years that this tournament has been held.

With the majority of the Welsh players coming from the successful junior set-up in South Wales, where well over 2,000 children have been playing rugby league this summer, the win is a credit to both club and international coaches.

England nearly took the lead in the seventh minute. Archie Storr thought he’d grounded but the referee ruled it out for a double movement.

The home side got near to the line five minutes later, Ralf Roberts looked for a try, diving over but he’d received a forward pass.

And the Welsh looked like they’d scored a stunning try when Isaac Holdworth flicked the ball back to Jake Sheppard for him to ground, but the referee called it back for a knock-on.

Wales again looked to have taken the lead with 10 minutes remaining in the first half. Jayden Tyson was sinbinned for a high tackle on Ralf Roberts. From the next play, Morgan Marozzelli ran over but referee Rob Apsee called it back for a forward pass.

But when Wales got the ball back again, they took the lead. It was a fine passing move in the 27th minute that Elis Thomas finished off. Matthew Clatworthy converted well.

Only a dropped ball gave England an opportunity to score, but it was wasted – Bobby Dickinson’s grubber on the final tackle of the resulting set not being seen by any of his team-mates.

Again, when Wales got the ball back, they scored, and it only took them three tackles. Sam Dickinson sprinted over 50 metres, placing the ball under the sticks making the kick easy for Clatworthy and giving Wales a well-deserved 12-0 lead at the break.

An error put England onto the attack early in the second half, but again couldn’t make their chances count. Ellis Holliday attempted a try but his attempt at grounding was more akin to basketball and the try was ruled out.

England got a try back on 50 minutes after regaining possession through another Wales error and Travis Jack-Morse scoring in the corner. Mason Bowes converted well.

Wales needed to tighten things up, and they did. Jac Jones cleaned up some more England pressure and Wales turned defence into attack, producing a perfect set. Dickinson, Elis Thomas and Clatworthy were involved at the end, with Roberts scoring in the corner. Clatworthy kicked the extras before adding a penalty a few minutes later to put the score on to 20-6.

The Welsh now needed to defend to keep their lead. After being penalised for off-side, they faced a set starting from their own 10 metre line. But on this occasion, they forced the England attackers into touch.

A dropped ball from Wales’ next set gave England another chance and this time they didn’t waste it as Jack-Morse scored his second of the game. Bowes couldn’t convert and Wales were still 10 points up with less than five minutes to go.

And Wales wrapped the game up with two minutes to go after England spilled the ball. Dickinson didn’t let any English lads get in his way as he weaved through them to score. Clatworthy converted.

There was still time for Wales to put more icing on a very big cake. Evan Williams sprinted past the tired English to score and Clatworthy goaled to cement their well-deserved large win.

WALES
Samuel Dickenson, Jac Jones, Harley Smith, Morgan Marozzelli, Ralf Roberts, Evan Williams, Matthew Clatworthy, Isaac Holdsworth, Finlay Walker, Jake Sheppard, Will Mathers, Josh Harding, Harvey Williams. Subs: Oliver Rees, Cole Pelopida, Tyler Mills, Elis Thomas, Charlie Thomas, Owain Martin, Hari Arthur.

Tries: E Thomas (27), Dickenson (34, 67), Roberts (55), Williams (70)
Goals: Clatworthy 6/6

ENGLAND
Jayden Tyson, Travis Jack-Morse, Saul Campbell, Archie Storr, Ellis Holliday, Bobby Dickinson, Preston Burgess, Joseph Higgins-Meadows, Declan Rigby, Kolby Harmer, Seb Jeffers, Mason Bowes, Reece Galvin.  Subs: Dylan Morris, Jack Barker, Bradley McDonough, Alex Richardson, Noel Gardner-Lewis, Junior Redmond, Josh Doran.

Tries: Jack-Morse (15, 65)
Goals: Bowes 1/2

Referee: Rob Apsee

Half-time: 12-0