Hosts FRANCE put in a sensational performance to blitz ENGLAND to take the inaugural under 19’s championship with a stunning 56-0 success in Bacares, near Perpignan. Man of the match, centre Nicolas De Martini scored five tries for the jubilant Tricolours and hooker Kane Bentley, who had a tremendous competition, was outstanding. The French raced into a 20-0 lead at half time and their superior defence constantly put pressure on the English, who struggled to complete their sets of six. Those errors cost England dearly, handing good field position to the hosts on several occasions. Catalans Chairman Bernard Gausch and members of the French Federation were on hand to witness the French victory.

SERBIA were unfortunate to just lose out, 16-14, to SCOTLAND in the contest to decide fifth and sixth spot with stand off Dalibor Vukanovic outstanding again, despite intense heat which reached 50

degrees at one spell. In the dying minutes the Scots were trailing 14-10 but raced the length of the field for a try between the posts, prop Wayne Rafferty adding the goal that brought a dramatic victory. The Serbs were distraught as they had looked set to clinch their first victory at this age group.

Nicolas Larrat the French Federation Present and Vice Chairperson of the RLEF was on hand to present the trophy to the winning French skipper, Jean Philippe Baile and commented. “It was a great tournament and I now look forward to further European age group competitions”.

Tournament Director, Jean Eric Ducuing added, “It was a great sporting event and I have praised the visiting teams for their performances both on and off the field.”

article by Phil Caplan
16 July 2006