UNDER 18 INTERNATIONAL

On a bitterly cold evening in Featherstone, a plucky England side were outclassed by a silky Australia outfit. The tourists amassed 38 points without reply by the interval, but the hosts showed a lot of heart in the second period and managed to get on the scoreboard at the death. A brace of tries from backs David Nofoaluma and Trent Jennings was the highlight of an impressive performance by the Green and Gold’s who just seemed to be more clinical than England at key moments.

Michael Cheek-ham and Vaipuna Tiakilifi were also involved in contributing to the five tries scored inside the first 15 minutes at the Big Fellas Stadium. Highly rated Aussie hooker Cameron Cullen was controlling the play early doors with some classy movement and passing. Centre Tautau Moga also crossed over before the break which left the young English lads with a mountain to climb.

Iain Riccardi went over in the corner shortly after the restart for Australia but from then on England saw more of the ball and seemed to grow in confidence. The home side, although often thwarted by excellent Aussie defence, were trying to build some good attacks, with stand off Adam Swift impressing in particular. Henare Wells and Chris Greusmuhl went over for the final times for Australia before England got the break through that their second half efforts deserved.

Having already seen Blake Muhavic held up over the line moments before, good, patient build up saw second rower Luke Willings crash over to send the supporters, who braved the cold, home with something to smile about. Dave Pyke added the extras.

ENGLAND COMMUNITY LIONS U18
J Blades, J Bullock, J Acton, N Skupski, C Lee, A Swift, C Phillips, J Francis, A Leak, R Green, L Willings, S Baker, D Pyke. Subs: R Millar, J Gay, B Muhavic, N Slater, M O’Brian, J Bussey, B Clarke

AUSTRALIA SCHOOLBOYS
H Wells, L Pickerd, T Moga, T Jennings, D Nofoaluma, J Wighton, H Siejka, M Eisenhuth, C Cullen, A Gadd, V Tiakilifi, I Riccardi, M Chee-kham. Subs: S Irwin, P Carter, G McCallum, C Greusmuhl, L Burr, M Groat, F Veukiso