A double from Leicester’s Harry Wells proved decisive with wing Jack Nowell opening the scoring in England’s 28-15 win.
Wales battled hard and were well in the game but struggled to break down a stubborn English defence, particularly after half time.
Fly half Sam Davies kicked all his side’s points with five penalties but it was not enough as the visitors retained their Six Nations title.
Despite their defeat, Wales have impressed in the championship and now look ahead to this summer’s Junior World Cup.Â
After a scrappy opening few minutes, Wales burst into life as they showed just how dangerous they can be with ball in hand. Following Davies’ early drop goal attempt, Harry Robinson burst clear but saw a foot in touch stop what looked like being a try scoring move, in its tracks.
Wales were on top though, winning a couple of penalties at scrum time and their pressure was rewarded when Davies opened the scoring with an 11th minute penalty.
After falling behind, England responded well on what was a wet, blustery night . And following a sustained period of possession, they retook the lead through a try from Exeter wing Nowell. A break from scrum half Callum Braley sparked the move and when Wales’ blitz defence failed to fire, Nowell went over in the corner. The score had to be confirmed by the TMO but nonetheless, England were ahead.
Henry Slade missed the conversion before his opposite number showed him how it’s done. Two further penalties from Davies, either side of another miss from Slade, gave Wales a 9-5 lead after half an hour.
With the title and a Welsh Grand Slam on the line, the game was understandably tense and dominated mainly in the middle third. Slade finally found his kicking points to narrow England’s deficit to one before Welsh indiscipline saw them reduced to 14.
A blood soaked Ellis Jenkins had been warned about his side’s conduct but Wilson’s side failed to take the hint. When they were penalised again for dragging down a maul, Dragons No. 8 Ieuan Jones was yellow carded and England took advantage.
A man up, England’s big forward pack found it all too easy as they marched Wales backwards. Leicester flanker Wells emerged with the ball and when Slade added the simple conversion, England boasted a 15-9 interval lead.
Davies put a long range penalty short after the break but after being restored to a full complement, Wales were posing more of a threat. Davies and Slade again exchanged kicks and on the hour, the visitors led 18-12.
With the forwards dominating the game, free-flowing rugby was at a minimum, perhaps suiting England’s forward dominated game. And with a solid platform in front of him, Slade knocked over a superb 40 metre drop goal to extend his side’s lead.
Wales refused to give up though and Davies’ fifth penalty meant Wales were within six points going into the final 10 minutes.
But when Wells went over for his second try, converted by Slade, Wales’ Grand Slam dream was over.Â
