England Community Lions defeat France in the Under 19's European Championship

Emotions overflowed after England Community Lions staged a stirring fightback to beat France in the Final of the European Under-19s Championships in Italy on Saturday night – then dedicated their triumph to Gary McMahon, a member of the coaching staff whose death last weekend had stunned the squad and the wider Rugby League community.

Members of Gary’s family flew out to join the team on the day of the game – and his son, Gary junior, selected Harry Penny of Ince Rose Bridge as the man of the match after England’s 14-12 win.

They were also presented with Gary’s winner’s medal, and a France shirt by Luc Lacoste, the President of the French Federation.

The squad had resolved to play on in Gary’s memory after last weekend’s trauma, only to be rocked again when news reached Italy of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II – which also raised questions about whether the game would go ahead.

But they saw that as an opportunity to pay tribute to Her Majesty, with a minute’s silence and singing of God Save the King before kick-off – at the end of a tournament which has been memorable for other reasons, including the remarkable performances of a Ukraine team whose presence was significant enough, but who then defied expectations to reach the semi finals.

Marc Lovering, the RFL’s Director of Participation and Development, said: “Nobody could have envisaged what lay ahead for this group when we left England less than two weeks ago, and that explained the incredible emotion which followed Saturday’s Final.

“The tragic loss of Gary McMahon put the trip in context, but the way the squad have responded has been an inspirational example of the power of our sport. At a very difficult time the players and staff were comforted by the knowledge that Gary's family were being supported by RL Cares Benevolent Fund and we were fortunate to have RL Cares Player Welfare Manager Steve McCormack  with us thoughout providing invaluable support".

“How better to remember him than for the team to show such courage in winning a Final which was absorbing and also agonising – and we must pay tribute here to France, both for their performances in the tournament and the grace they showed in offering condolences to Gary, led by their President Luc Lacoste.

“It was also a special moment when the team sang God Save the King before the start of the match – they have certainly represented the country with huge distinction over the last two weeks.

“But it’s also been a significant two weeks for the sport of Rugby League, best symbolised by the amazing achievements of Ukraine in assembling a squad, travelling to Italy and then reaching the semi finals. It was wonderful to hear them cheering us on in the final, after we had built such strong relationships through the tournament – and they even joined us on the field to celebrate, in scenes I don’t think any of us will forget.

“Congratulations also to Wales for their third-placed finish, and to Italy for hosting the event.”

Three England players – Noah Lancelott of Leigh Miners Rangers, Scott Parnaby of Waterhead Warriors, and Keiran Welburn of West Hull – were named in the team of the tournament.

France led 8-0 at half-time through a try from Justin Tropis and two goals from Thomas Monclus, but the Lions replied when good work from Millom’s Jack Newbegin and Ryan Wood of Wigan St Judes sent Lancelott over in the left corner. Welburn goaled superbly from the touchline to close the deficit to two points and with Newbegin kicking well, the Lions played in the right areas and chased everything.

With 64 minutes gone, the Lions claimed a second try, again well finished by Lancelot and were on top four minutes later when good link up from the middle of the field gave Siddal’s Harvey Oldroyd the space he needed to finish.

That score set England up at 14-8, but France ensured a nervy end when captain Arthur Salles pushed through for a try that Monclus couldn't goal after 76 minutes. The Lions regained ascendancy and looked far more likely to increase their lead in the closing stages with their desire and togetherness winning the day for a remarkable win.

 

England

16 Ryan Wood

 2 Noah Lancelott

 4 Callum Murphy

 3 Mekhi Bridgeman

 5 Andy Djuekessi

 6 Toby Hughes

14 Jack Newbegin

19 Matthew Parkes

 9 Logan Holgate

10 Josh Leeson

11 Harry Penny

12 Keiran Welburn

13 Scott Parnaby

Subs (All Used)

 1 Harvey Oldroyd

 8 Rio McQuistan

17 Kieran Dean

18 Dylan Turner

 

Sinbinned: Dylan Turner (38 - Late tackle)

Tries: Lancelott (51, 64), Oldroyd (68).

Goals: Welburn 1/3.

 

France

1 Juilen Laporte

2 Damien Huescar

3 Arthur Selles

4 Maxime Barbet

5 Justin Tropis

6 Lenny Chachoua

7 Thomas Monclus

8 Romain Humbert

9 Ben Abdesle Yacine

10 Theo Fouque

11 Benjamin Sinimale

12 Enzo Deltheil

13 Louis Grossemy

Subs (All Used)

14 Nolan Lopez-Buttignol

15 Sothene Ennoyotie

17 Salim Nahal

19 Rayan Tadjeur

 

Sinbinned: Sothene Ennoyotie (28 - late tackle)

Tries: Tropis (3), Salles (76).

Goals: Monclus 2/3.

 

Halftime: 0-8

Referee: Kristoff Young (Wales).