England were convincing winners in all three games – at Universities, U16s and U17s level – against Scotland at Hawick. In the opening match of the Student Four Nations, prop Jack Leach led the way with three of England’s 14 tries in an 80-10 triumph. Stand-off Ben Grindley-Roberts opened the scoring for the visitors in the first minute, Jake Dickinson with the first of twelve successful shots at goal.
Scotland hit back shortly afterwards when Oscar Halsall burrowed his way over from dummy-half, with Tom Grey converting, England then taking control with tries before the break to Harry Lowery, Grindley-Roberts with his second and Henry Lenthall. The hosts’ response came from Archie Walker to make it 28-10 at half time. England pressed home their advantage in the second period as the hosts tired, Lowery and Lenthall picking up their second tries, Alex Edun with a brace and tries for Brogan Turner, Leon Stewart and Fin Hay to complete the comprehensive win.
In the U16s Four Nations clash, England were 72-0 winners, stand off Harry Bowden leading the way with 28 points from two tries and ten goals.
England were dominant throughout with eleven different try scorers, Billy-Buster Knight also picking up a double. In the U17s friendly, England were 46-10 victors, racing into a 34-0 lead in the first half, Mason Hunter to the fore, finishing with a try and seven goals, Jensen Bamber crossing twice either side of half time. Scotland rallied late on with tries to Alfie Jackson and Harrison Forsythe.
Scotland RL operations director, Barry McGuffog, commented: “Whilst it was a challenging day on the field for our three teams, we can be positive about the increased number of Scotland-born players, and the fantastic event which was enjoyed by over 600 paying spectators. “All of the teams will be looking closely at the footage of their performances before next weekend’s games against Wales and working to improve the performances.”
“It was a great day for all our sides,” said Alan Davidson, England Lions performance manager. “For the U16s and the Universities it’s a perfect start to their Four Nations campaigns, and both will be looking to build on their performances when we host Ireland. “I’d like to thank Scotland Rugby League and their partners at Hawick RFC for staging an impressive event and hosting our teams so well.”
STUDENT FOUR NATIONS
SCOTLAND STUDENTS 10
Tom Grey, Archie Walker, Josh Kerrigan, Blake Millar, Scott Shaw, Ben Neave, Cam Lewis, Fin Clarke, Oscar Halsall, Jordan Duncan, Oli Inch, George Kinnard, Jacob Grierson.
Interchanges: Will Hunt, George Murray, Gabe Lewis, Jak Quinn.
Tries: Halsall (7), Walker (29)
Goals: Tom Grey 1/2
Sin Bin: Shaw (71 – professional foul)
ENGLAND UNIVERSITIES 80
Jake Dickinson, Deusjes Nzage, Leon Stewart, Finn Dagnall, Brogan Turner, Ben Grindley-Roberts, Jamie O’Keeffe, Harry Lowery, Will Lintin, James Leach, Josh Shackleton, Ollie Paterson, Hayden Todd.
Interchanges: Noah Tyson, Fin Hay, Henry Lenthall, Max Nissinen-Le, George Moffitt, Alex Edun, James Boyles.
Tries: Grindley-Roberts (1, 18), Lowery (9, 42), Leach (14, 48, 50), Lenthall (39, 79), Turner (56), Edun (62, 73), Stewart (65), Hay (68),
Goals: Dickinson 12/14
Referee: Adam Houston (England)
Half time: 10-28
U16s FOUR NATIONS
SCOTLAND 0
Blair Murray, Alfie Nairn, William Porter, Ewan Smith, Alfie Haase, Alfie Scudder, Reece McAdam, Charlie Kelly, Brodie Butters-McNaught, Lachlan McKelvey, Jayden Johnstone, Lewis Mullen, Kyle Alcock
Interchanges: Jai Cruickshank, Carter Shields, Jamie Carnaby, Conlon Goodall, Noah Eason, Bradley Cowthorpe, Lewis McCoonachie
ENGLAND 72
Harry Waddington, Jaiden Udegbe, Jonah Carter, Billy-Buster Knight, Kyle Johnson, Jack Bowden, Mason Leaf, Warren Craig, Michael Lyons, Marley Taylor-Harrop, Charlie Wood, Ryan Cunliffe, Ellis Dockerty
Interchanges: Nathan Green, Josh Evans, MJ Morris, Ollie Lockett, Conner Tyson, Connor Sutcliffe
Tries: Lyons (2), Knight (8, 35), Waddington (21), Udegbe (24), Bowden (27, 33), Leaf (30), Carter (45), Lockett (50), Cunliffe (54), Evans (59), Taylor-Harrop (66)
Goals: Bowden 10/13
Referee: Jordan Robinson (England)
Half time: 0-42
U17s FRIENDLY
SCOTLAND 10
Joe Davis, Joe Wands-Szaranek, Darren Butters-McNaught, Harrison Forsythe, Cairn Marshall, Logan Marsh, Tom Glover, Lawrence Candler, Finlay Stamford, Alfie Jackson, Max Blackie, Archie Turriff, Lewis Sabo
Interchanges: Ollie Edge, Jake Hodge, Rowan Doyle, Ross Hutchinson, Kian Westhead
Tries: Jackson (52), Forsythe (56)
Goals: Glover 1/2
ENGLAND 46
Josh Williams, Zac Law, Ben Farrimond, Rio York, Teshawn Marima, Mason Hunter, Freddie Isherwood, Joe Meaney, Jack Worthington, Roman Allott, Louie Hayes, Jayden Dennis, Eddie Calvin
Interchanges: Jensen Bamber, Will Steen, Zach Dennett, Ryu McDermott, Adam Marsh, Kaled Crosby, Rob Steel
Tries: Law (5), Worthington (10), Hunter (24), York (27), Marima (32), Bamber (39, 48), Allott (61)
Goals: Hunter 7/8
Referee: Jordan Robinson (England)
Half time: 0-34
