Wales tame Lions

Wales ended England’s hopes of retaining the Four Nations Tournament with an impressive performance at rain soaked Kynoch Park in Keith last night. Manager Paul Fairclough made five changes to the side that started against the Irish in the previous game, knowing that nothing less than a win would end his sides chances of retaining the champions crown.

However, apart from striking the bar with a superb 30 yard strike from Steve Guinan and a fine effort by Liam hatch being well saved by Tony Roberts, both in the first half, the defending champions posed little threat to the men in red.

After a goalless first half the Welsh came out flying, just as the Irish had done 48 hours earlier and broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when Graham Evans, the Caersws forward, neatly curled the ball past debutant Danny McDonnell in the England goal from ten yards.

This was some reward for Evans who had had a goal disallowed in the first half for an infringement in the six-yard area.

The Welsh remained in command in what was at times fierce encounter with no player on either side lacking total commitment. England tried in vain to get back into the game but a lack of urgency at times coupled with some careless passing was not helping their cause.

Added to this, the English strike force of Guinan and Hatch were being given little opportunity to impress, being kept in check by the strong Welsh defence.

The Welsh continued to look dangerous and it was no real surprise when they went further ahead in the 73rd minute when Porthmadog’s Carl Owens swept the ball home with almost his first touch after coming on as a substitute, following a error in the English defence.

The final whistle sounded much to the delight of the Welsh team, who like the Irish, gained revenge for their defeat 12 months earlier. The match was keenly fought and threatened to boil over on a couple of occasions. Four players were shown yellow card by the Scottish referee: Giles and Evans of Wales and Thompson and Guinan of England.

After the game Fairclough expressed his disappointment at the performance, again highlighting defence errors which had cost the side two goals on the night however, he was pleased with the attitude of the players who gave their all for their Country.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash with Scotland he added, "We were beaten by a much stronger and experienced Welsh side that deserved their win however, we now have to regroup and look forward to Sunday.

"It will be a tremendous occasion with the Scots needing to win to have a chance of lifting the trophy."

He singled out Kerr and Southam who both battled well throughout the game and also Hatch and Guinan for their efforts up front.

Team Details

England: McDonnell, Redmile, Boardman, Tretton, Sedgemore (Forewa), Southam, Kerr, Thompson (Ricketts), Guinan, Hatch (McNiven), Sheldon
Subs not used: Baker