Arriva Trains Wales | PERFECT TEN FOR WALES DEAF RUGBY

PERFECT TEN FOR WALES DEAF RUGBY

Wales Deaf rugby recorded a 66 – 7 victory over England Deaf at Coventry on Sunday 3 February to claim the inaugural Broadstreet Cup.

Victorious Welsh Team Facing an England side containing a powerful forward unit, Wales secured a comfortable victory scoring 10 tries in an entertaining feast of running rugby.

England began in determined fashion with their pack dominating early exchanges; however an interception by centre Gareth John (Tonna) saw Wales ease the pressure with a converted try after 8 minutes.

England hit back almost immediately with a try to level the scores at 7 – 7, however John, who scored four tries in the previous international between the two sides at Dunvant in 2006, showed his class with a second try after 25 minutes.

Latching onto a loose ball, the speedster left the England defence in his wake as he side stepped through from half way to put Wales 12 – 7 ahead. Playing into a strong wind, Wales scored two more first half tries through Nigel Francis (Dudley Kingswinsford) and fullback Michael Watkins (Taffs Well).

After the break, the pacey Welsh backs capitalised on the quick possession provided by their forwards. Wales’ ability to counter attack from deep saw further tries from centre Richard Hardy (Pontyberem), flanker Adam Brake (Rumney), Tim Parkinson (St Leonards), Nigel Francis and a penalty try. Dunvant outside half Richard Lewis kicked eight conversions and claimed the man of the match award.

Geraint John, team manager for Wales Deaf said: “It’s a well deserved victory for the boys and a reward for the hard work and commitment shown in the run up to this match. We were given a tough examination by England; however our forwards stood up to the challenge and gave our backline the opportunities to show their ability.”

Related links

National Deaf Children's Society

Royal National Institute for Deaf & Hard of Hearing People

Image courtesy of Mark Tamplin photography