14 Nov 2022

Match Report | England Community Lions U23s 56-0 Wales Dragonhearts

England Community Lions Under 23s ran out convincing winners with an eleven-try defeat of Wales Dragonhearts, who were making their return to action for the first time in three years.

The Lions started well at Pilkington Recs Ruskin Park ground when Tom Burke finished off some good approach work by West Hull team mates Elliott Jones and Luke Moss.

Hensingham's Jack Kellett, who enjoyed an influential afternoon at half-back, missed the conversion and Wales went on the attack, being held up in goal by some enthusiastic defence.

Egremont's Aaron Turnbull, who previously starred with the Lions Under 20s, scored their second try after eleven minutes, twisting beneath the posts for Kellett to add the extras and make it 10-0, and Wales again responded with some good defence and sprightly dummy half work from Torfaen Tigers hooker Dean Higgs.

Two tries in four minutes tipped the scales in the Lions favour, first Hunslet Parkside hooker Jack McShane scooted over from an inside pass before Jones added to the tally. It remained 18-0 until seconds from half-time when unselfish play from Burke saw Lock Lane flier Lucas Moon over in the corner. Kellett goaled brilliantly for a 24-0 advantage.

The Lions followed their five-try first half with a further six, marching through for four of those in the fifteen minutes after the break.

Wath Brow winger Jay Weatherill kicked things off before destructive running from Latchford Albion second-row Charlie McCurrie paved the way for Jones second try. With Waterhead's James Perks also causing headaches for the Dragonhearts defence, it wasn't long before Featherstone Lions front rower Jake Roberts slipped through the defence, although a brave challenge from Leigh Miners fullback Will Lynch certainly caught the eye of the Welsh support in the crowd.

Ellenborough Rangers Owen Hoyles added two goals to stretch the advantage to 40-0 and a smart finish from Wetherill at the corner in the 54th minute continued to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The Dragonhearts rallied with more defiance coming from Rhondda Outlaws Chris Harris and Thatto Heath second row Jonny Rae. The defence held until the 65th minute when Hoyles supported Burke for a try before booting the conversion to bring up the half-century.

The Lions finished strongly with Weatherill collecting a kick to dash over for his hat-trick and Hoyles added his fourth goal to complete scoring in the last minute.

England Community Lions U23s