Match Report

England Wheelchair continued their 100% success over British Isles opposition after beating Wales 54-40 in a very competitive Tri-Nations Final at Plas Madoc Leisure Centre near Wrexham.

It was the closest Wales had ever got to beating England and were only eight points down with three minutes remaining.

England took a second minute lead through a Fred Nye try that Tom Haliwell converted. Only good Welsh defence prevented the English from getting a quick second, after winning two back to back sets.

However they did increase their lead on 11 minutes when Jodie Boyd-Ward grounded in the corner for an unconverted try.

Halliwell made up for his miss by scoring England’s third under the sticks that he easily converted.

Stuart Williams struck back for Wales with a try that Stephen Halsey converted to bring the score back to 16-6 on 20 minutes.

Unlucky not to get a second try back, Andrew Higgins being forced into touch when near the line, Wales then had to defend as England got back onto the attack. Boyd-Ward eventually finishing off a skillful length of the court set to score in the corner.

Halliwell’s second try and third goal gave England a 26-6 lead on the half hour before an uncontested charge through the centre by Josh Butler seconds later, also converted by Halliwell, further increased their lead.

Rob Hawkins went over for England’s next try, converted by Nathan Collins, but Wales got some points back when Andrew Higgins punched over a penalty.

However England went into the break 44-10 ahead after a slick passing move ended with Butler scoring in the corner and Collins converting. Higgins added a second Welsh penalty after the hooter had gone.

Wales were first to score in the second half with Harry Jones going in under the sticks. It looked like it should have been an eight-point try but that wasn’t given, and Halsey notched just the one conversion.

Jason Owen followed him over from kick-off with Higgins converting to make the score 44-22.

It took 22 minutes for another score to be registered and it came for Wales. Lucie Roberts scoring in the corner and Halsey converted.

Stuart Williams scored from kick-off and Halsey converted again and suddenly Wales were just ten points down.

However England clinched the game with five minutes to go when Hawkins scored in the corner.

Scotty Trigg-Turner did get another try back for Wales which Halsey converted, but Hawkins further extended the English lead in the final minute with Halliwell adding the goal.