England and Wales will meet to determine who wins the Student Four Nations trophy, after both recorded comprehensive wins in the second round of matches. England Universities nilled their opponents again, this time defeating Ireland 68-0 at Halton Farnworth Hornets, although the final scoreline was unrepresentative of an improved Ireland performance from their initial encounter.
The hosts ran in 12 tries in total, scrum half Ben Grindley-Roberts leading the way with 24 points, including ten goals. Centre Brogan Turner posted two touchdowns inside the first 17 minutes, back rower Oli Paterson with a three-minute brace as England built a 28-0 half time lead, Henry Lenthall with the pick of their efforts as he scorched away from long range.
Northumbria University teammates Will Lintin and James Leach both crossed at the start of the second half, followed by skipper Harry Lowery. Ireland enjoyed some territorial dominance, but Tom Ashurst lay on too long in the tackle and was dispatched to the sin bin. Lenthall claimed his second with four minutes remaining, Noah Tyson burrowing over from dummy-half to complete the try scoring.
England now travel to The Gnoll on Saturday 20 June (kick off 6pm) for a winner takes all clash. Wales Students head coach Clive Griffiths was disappointed with his side’s display in overcoming Scotland 44-10 in Merthyr Tidfil, claiming they would have to be significantly better if they were to take the crown, especially after an undisciplined second half.
Scotland took an early lead through an unconverted Archie Walker try, but then the hosts dominated, ahead 30-4 at half-time thanks to tries from Kavan Phillips, Dylan Morgan, Lewis Ingram – with his first of two, Mason Phillips, Scott Simons and George Groves. An unconverted Leo Jones try early in the second half extended their lead, but they were temporarily down to 11 players following the sinbinnings of Jacob Purcell for a high tackle and Mason Phillips soon after for dissent.
A Guy Chalstrey try and goal gave Scotland late consolation, Kit Heales cementing the win for Wales with the final try.
ENGLAND UNIVERSITIES 68
Alex Edun, Ben Bell-Thorn, Brogan Turner, Leon Stewart, Deusjes Nzage, Finn Dagnall, Ben Grindley-Roberts, Harry Lowery, Will Lintin, James Leach, Oli Paterson, Henry Lenthall, Hayden Todd.
Subs: Noah Tyson, Fin Hay, Max Nissinen-Le, Tega Rume-Tabiowo, George Moffitt, James Boyles
Tries: Turner (3, 17), Paterson (21, 24), Lenthall (32, 76), Lintin (42), Leach (50), Lowery (53), Grindley-Roberts (63), Todd (74), Tyson (78)
Goals: Grindley-Roberts 10/12
IRELAND STUDENTS 0
Gareth McGinty, Matt Cahill, Matt McClure, Ethan Whyte, Connor Welsh, Sean Murray, Tom Ashurst, Euan Haynes, Reece Boyd, Fred Taylor, Leo Talbot, Ellis Keppel, Isaac Baynham.
Subs: Theo Pollard, Dan Ridpath, Jack Brown
Sin Bin: Tom Ashurst (63 -professional foul)
Referee: Jake Berry
Half Time: 28-0
WALES STUDENTS 44
Lewis Ingram, Dylan Morgan, Mason Phillips, Finlay Northrop, Lewis Howells, Mason Apsee, Llewellyn Hawkes, Jacob Purcell, George Groves, Rhys Nicholls, Scott Simons, Alex Thorpe, Kavan Phillips
Subs: Kit Heales, Sam Chaloner, Alex Green, Olly Darlington, Alex Naylor, Leo Jones, Jacob Wallace, Tom Moore
Tries: Phillips (8), Morgan (13), Ingram (19, 56), M. Phillips (25), Simons (33), Groves (35), Jones (43), Heales (75)
Goals: Hawkes 4/9
Sin bins: Purcell (52 – high tackle), M. Phillips (57 – dissent)
SCOTLAND STUDENTS 10
Tom Grey, Archie Walker, Josh Kerrigan, Jacob Grierson, Blake Millar, Alex Hukersee, Cam Lewis, Fin Clarke, George Murray, Gabe Lewis, Oli Inch, Will Hunt, Jordan Duncan
Subs: Cam Stephens, Guy Chalstrey, Ben Neave, Jack Quinn, Scott Shaw, Tom Fleming.
Tries: Walker (3), Chalstrey (72)
Goals: Grey 0/1, Chalstrey 1/1
Referee: Ian Curzon
Half time: 30-4
