U16 EUROPEAN CUP: POOL A - ROUND 3

England blasted their way into the final of the inaugural Rugby League European Under 16’s tournament in Serbia with a 12-try 70-0 thrashing of Russia, in their second pool game. Magnificently led by their front row, with James Donaldson posting his second hat trick of the tournament, England got off to a superb start and were irresistible in a point-a-minute first half spree.

Scrum half Greg McNally led the charge with two tries and 11 goals for a 30 point haul; Jack Sewell and Adam Ramsden also crossing in the first half to make it 40-0 at the break.

The Russians showed greater resolve in the second period but never recovered from the initial blitz; Darren Seeds, Sean Fitzsimons, Drew Dalton and a brace from Ross Gainford completing England’s dozen. Prop Michael Lithgow was outstanding for the English.

ENGLAND
Nathan Corrie, Adam Russell, Darren Seeds, Adam Ramsden, Ryan Bulman, Ross Gainford, Gregg McNally (c), Michael Lithgow, Jack Sewell, James Donaldson, Curtis Pattinson, Karl Olstrum, Sean Fitzsimmons. Subs: Stewart George, Drew Dalton, Luke King, Philip Stewart.

RUSSIA
Nikolay Kalashnikov, Fedor Kovalchuk, Sergey Pavlyuchenkov, Sergey Nikolavesky, Timur Khairetdinov, Anton Shilnikov (c), Marat Sibagatullin, Vadim Teptsov, Nikolay Koshelkov, Timur Khasanov, Maksim Epifanov, Dmitry Strukov, Konstantin Roshin. Subs: Aleksey Vasilyev, Alexandr Pugachev, Alexandr Abaev, Marsel Yakupov