Meeting for the ninth time, Wales were looking to build on last year’s victory in Coventry and record an eighth victory against England.
Playing with the strong wind at their backs, England went into an early lead with a penalty by centre Craig Orrick as Wales were penalised for handling in a ruck.
From the kick off, Wales went on the attack and following some good approach work, the English midfield were penalised for off-side. Dunvant outside half Richard Lewis levelled the scores with a penalty from 22 metres.
On 14 minutes, Wales stretched their lead to with a blistering break by Nigel Francis who tore through the English defence to crash over for a well taken try.
On 20 minutes, England narrowed the lead with a penalty from 35 metres by centre Orrick. As England started to enjoy more possession, Wales were penalised for not retiring 10 metres and from the resulting kick, Orrick put England ahead by 8-9 from 40 metres.
From the kick off, Wales pressed into the England 22. As the Welsh forwards inched their way forward, a key moment in the game occurred when the referee sent England centre Orrick from the field for punching. Outside half Lewis kicked the resulting penalty from in front of the posts to put Wales ahead by 11-9 at the break.
With England down to 14 players, Wales enjoyed more of the possession at the beginning of the second half. On 55 minutes, dynamic Carmarthen Athletic No 8 Gareth Bennett crashed over in the corner to extend Wales’ lead to 16-9.
As the game moved into the final quarter, outside half Lewis was just off target with a long range penalty. On 70 minutes and as England’s resolute defence began to tire, debutant Wales scrum half Kieron John pounced on a loose clearance to scamper over in the corner to seal a hard fought 21 – 9 victory for Wales.
Scorers – Wales: Tries – Nigel Francis, Gareth Bennett, Kieron John; Penalties – Richard Lewis (2)
England: Penalties – Craig Orrick (3)
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