UNDER 18 INTERNATIONAL

Despite a brave effort the England Community Lions U18s slipped to defeat in Bordeaux last night. The Lions can perhaps count themselves unlucky on an evening that saw them play large periods of the game with 12 men after two sin-binnings and also the lose of prop Sam Hull who suffered a broken leg.

Despite not picking up a win coach Kelvin Lockett was not too down-hearted. “I thought the boys dug in, especially after we lost Blake Mahovic – who was probably our best player – to the sin-bin. I’m very proud of the boys and we will now start again as we look ahead to facing Wales in a couple of weeks time.”

The visitors took an early lead when Thatto Heath Crusaders winger Corey Lee touched down after just three minutes and despite the French replying through Anthony Deleigne, an effort from fellow Crusader Nathan Skupski nudged the Lions ahead with just 15 minutes played. In a close first period two tries in just four minutes from Yanich Remoic and Valantin Ferret meant the French were 14-8 ahead at the break, however the Lions were still very much in the game.

The new look Lions knew that the next score would probably prove to be crucial and unfortunately it was France who came up with it when winger Remoic went over for his second of the night. Another quick-fire burst which saw impressive centre Petuch Reynier cross twice in three minutes which effectively ended the contest and Benjamin Garcia finished the scoring with a try in the final quarter.

Captain David Pike lamented the loss of two players to the sin-bin, but could also see some positives from the game. “We started really well and had France on the back foot, but a run of penalties cost us both field position and points. We were down to 12-men for a period in both halfs and that’s what really cost us. All the boys are really gutted with the injury to Sam. He’s now going to have to stay out here for another couple of days to recover but I’m sure he’ll be fine and will be back on the field as soon as he can.”

Sin bin
England: Blake Mahovic (27) holding down, Jack Bussey (48) late challenge on kicker

Pictured: Scrum half Alistair Leak

ENGLAND LIONS U18
Jacob Blades,,George Leng, Dave Pike, Nathan Skupski, Corey Lee, Adam Swift, Alistair Leak, Sam Hull, Callum Phillips, Jack Gay, Luke Willings, Blake Mahovic, Jack Bussey. Subs: Liam Fishwick,,Marcus O’Brian, Barry Clarke, Jack Francis

FRANCE U18
Valantin Ferret, Yanich Remoic, Mesume Peault, Petuch Reynier, Sofiene Ghanem, Jeuis Bissiere, Yohan Didonne, Thuibout Margalet ©, Alesies Alberola, Mesiemie Dacosta, Benjamin Garcia, Anthony Deleigne, Hehuin Mcloudi. Subs: Moirliel Rouch, Moirliel Romano, Paul Ratier, Nilleim Ousty