Club Main Sponsor - SW COMMS
Back

Login

Don’t have an account?Register
Powered By
Pitchero
News & EventsLatest NewsCalendar
Bragging Rights for Relton in Under 20 Six Nations

Bragging Rights for Relton in Under 20 Six Nations

Harry Scott-Munro27 Jun 2021 - 14:49

Arthur Relton and Ollie Leatherbarrow both score, but England secure 31-12 victory at Cardiff Arms Park.

It was winger Arthur Relton who secured EURFC bragging rights, as his England side made it two wins from two in the U20 Six Nations, leaving Scotland U20s to lick their wounds after a second consecutive defeat.

The match also saw young Scottish flanker Ollie Leatherbarrow make his first start at U20 level, excelling in a losing cause and securing a try with little over ten minutes remaining to cap a strong individual performance.

After a slow start against France, England raced out of the blocks with captain Jack Van Poortvliet scoring after three minutes, before Scotland responded through Christian Townsend.

Despite an improved showing from Scotland, England were able to pull clear at halftime, with scores from Fin Smith and Deago Bailey to take a 19-5 advantage into the break.

They continued to show their power in the second half, only for Leatherbarrow to make a timely turnover on his own tryline to deny England a fourth score.

The dam eventually burst though, hooker Sam Riley scoring a classy solo effort that most backs would be proud of, before seeing yellow for a breakdown infringement moments later.

England were reduced to 13 players with twenty minutes to go, when flanker Lucas Brooke saw red for a head on head collision.

Scotland nearly took an immediate advantage, as Leatherbarrow thought he had dotted down under the posts, only for the try to be ruled out with an England hand holding the ball up.

Leatherbarrow wasn't to be denied though, as he dotted down from close range at the second time of asking to temporarily reduce the deficit to 12 points.

There was to be time for one last score, as England and Relton were to have the final say, the EURFC winger expertly gathering a crossfield kick from Fin Smith to race clear for his second try in two matches.

After the match, England Head Coach Alan Dickens was pleased with the efforts of his side as they continued their perfect start to the tournament.

"It was a fantastic effort from the players. The boys did really well to stick in today. When we were down to 13 men I thought the character they showed was outstanding."

Both teams return to action again on Thursday, with England taking on the only other unbeaten side left in the tournament in Ireland (8pm,) after Scotland look to secure their first victory of the tournament against Italy. (2pm)

Further reading