The inaugural Rugby League European Federation Under 19’s Championship got off to a tremendous start with two superb opening ties between the four home nations sides in Canet en Roussillon, a prized beach resort in the suburbs of Perpignan.

In the opening encounter Wales made a blistering start with tries from Gareth Moore and Adam Dawe in the opening ten minutes but Scotland battled back with hardworking forwards Tommy McColl and Wayne Rafferty both powering over for touchdowns.

The Scots took the initiative just after half time with a clever break from hooker Scott Porteous, converted by Ross Bryan, while Welsh winger Dawe crossed for the second time to level a few minutes later.

Both teams had chances for victory in the dying minutes but defences held firm and a draw was a fair result.

WALES
1 Kevin James
2 Jason Kenneally
3 Chris Vitalini
4 Lee Williams
5 Adam Dawe
6 Oliver Hughes
7 Garyn Lucas
8 Matt Barron
9 Tom Burnell

10 Gareth Moore
11 Billy Lavis
12 Pat Howell
13 Barrie Philips

Subs (all used)
14 Williams Jones
15 James Davies
16 Rhys Andrews
17 Nicky Griffiths

Tries: Barron (2), Kenneally (10, 52)
Goal: Hughes

Sin Bin: Lee Williams (31)
Coach: Dan Clements

SCOTLAND
1 Gary Thornton
2 Greg Wallace
3 Alisdair Carvers
4 Matthew McNee
5 Rob Sloman
6 Paul Walker
7 Ross Bryan
8 Che Smith
9 Scott Porteous
10 Wayne Rafferty
11 Tommy McColl
12 Martyn Lowe
13 Karl Beardshaw

Subs (all used)
14 Jack Burns
15 David Valentine
16 Ben Parker
17 Chris Lyle

Tries: McColl (28), Rafferty (32), Porteous (39)
Goal: Bryan
Coach: James Glover

Referee: Richard Frileux (France)
Ville de Canet, Man of the Match:
Tom Burnell (Wales)
Attendance: 398

article by Phil Caplan
6 July 2006