Inaccuracy cost England Students
England were unable to stamp their authority on the game
©Rhodri Williams
England Students lose out 28-7 to France Universities over the weekend.
The England Students squad travelled away to Epernay, France, to face their French counterparts, France Universities, on Saturday 11th April.
The first half was a tough battle as France took the lead with some physical carries. Possession was about 60% in French hands, and they had territorial advantage too.
Hartpury’s George Boulton scored the only try for England after sustained phases of attack with Leeds Beckett’s Will Cargill slotting in the conversion. The score stood at 13-7 at halftime.
England challenged France in a number of key areas, but despite a committed effort England were left frustrated with handling errors and an inconsistent set-piece, and the match ended at 28-7 to France.
Joe Dancer (UWE), Captain Freddie Clarke (Bath) and Boulton stood out from the England side, and Sam Rodman (Leeds Beckett) and Buchan Richardson (Durham) made positive impact from the bench. Eight players were awarded their first cap for the match.
“We were unable to maintain pressure for any period of time,” said Assistant Coach Ian Davies post-match. “The French did not do anything fancy but out errors and general lack of accuracy enabled them to have control for large periods of the game.”
Head Coach Aaron James said, “we will be focusing on the accuracy of our skills to improve our performance on the pitch.”
England Students will face Wales Academicals next on the 6th of May.
