International Junior Rugby League

Wales u16’s make history

by
englandrugbyleague
20/09/2023

Wales u16’s make history

Author : Wales Rugby League

Wales u16’s make history

Wales make history becoming first u16 four nations champs

Wales became the first-ever Four Nations champions at under 16s level after beating England Lions 38-18 in Leigh writes Andy Morgan.

The victory left Wales unbeaten at the top of the standings after big wins over Ireland and Scotland earlier this year.

Wales ran in seven tries in a comprehensive win, with Henry Parker’s try and five goals contributing 14 of Wales’ points.

It all started as early as the fifth minute when Nathan Davies went over for Wales’ first try and Parker converted.

England soon levelled after a good set that saw Nathaniel Parker score, with Jack Bibey converting.

But after that, Wales took control and were 28-6 up at half-time thanks to tries from Joseph Johnson, Jake Nottingham, Henry Parker and Kaden Johnson, all scored in 20 minutes before the break. Parker converted three of them.

England couldn’t recover

England couldn’t recover from that and were further frustrated after their coach was sent to the stands and Bibey was given a yellow card.

Jacob Jones managed a further try during the ten minute spell when they had a one-player advantage to put the game beyond England’s reach.

But that didn’t stop the home side for attempting a come-back. Tries from Jayden Aaron and Lucas Mulqueeny, both improved by Bibey brought the score back to 32-18

However Wales sealed their victory seven minutes before the end whe Jacob Morris dived in under the sticks and Parker converted.

Under 16s head coach, Paul Berry, said: “The lads deserved the win today and I think we’ve been the most consistent team all year in the competition.

The performances we’ve had have been building for a pperiod of time, leading to a winner takes all game today.

“The collective effort over the last few months has really paid dividends.”

England overcame Wales at U18 level, winning 32-16, but they’ll need to wait six weeks before knowing if they’re champions (pic-Siwan Williams)

Their win puts them top of the table

Their win puts them top of the table with two wins out of three and a points difference of plus 44.

Ireland and Scotland meet at the end of October and both are on negative points differences, Ireland on minus 14 and Scotland on minus 28, so a big win is needed by one of the Celtic nations to take the title.

Wales, who are now guaranteed second or third place in the table, went 12-0 down early on in the game through Dylan Grears and Tom Farren with Harley Nelson converting both, but a Harrison Doe try in the corner just before the break gave them hope.

England quickly extended their lead as five minutes into the second half, they were 22-4 up. First Joshua Blinkhorn scored near the corner, then Devan Sharp’s try under the sticks made it easy for George Jamieson to convert.

The Wales boys refused to give up and Alex Banks’ try and Alex Banks’ try, converted by Llewellyn Hawkes, brought them back into the game.

But England sealed the game as Blinkhorn scored a brace to complete his hat-trick with Jamieson converting once. Jayden Grey got a late consolation try for Wales that Hawkes improved.