Australian Schooboys narrowly triumph over England Academy
England Academy coach Richard Marshall believes that the Australian Schoolboys’ speed was key, after the tourists beat his team 22-18 at Leigh on Saturday.
The first test between the teams attracted a decent crowd of 1,583, and they were treated to a fine game.
The home side had to cope with some aggressive attacking from the Australians, but fought hard to stay in the game.
“It was a strong Test match,” said Marshall, after the game.
““Obviously I was impressed with the Australian team but I was impressed with our guys as well. I thought Australia dominated the first half but in the second half we really came out strong.
“The speed of the Australians caught us a bit cold. That was our first hit out and they have had a few games prior to this match.
“That said, I thought defensively we were strong, we defended with some vigour and got stuck in. From a coaching point of view I was pleased with that.
“The guys are disappointed. They aren’t devastated, but they are disappointed and there are a few things there that we are looking to improve.
“We need to get a bit smarter with ball in hand, to build a little bit more pressure, and if we put the game to Australia then the second Test will be a little bit different.”
England Academy (professional club and community club in brackets):
Ash Golding (Leeds Rhinos, Oulton Raiders)
Callum Lancaster (Hull FC , East Hull)
Oliver Gildart (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
Toby King (Warrington Wolves, Meltham All Blacks)
Ash Handley (Leeds Rhinos, Stanley Rangers)
Jordan Abdul (Hull FC, Skirlaugh)
Joe Keyes (London Broncos, Medway Dragons)
Will Maher (Castleford Tigers, Ulverston)
Robbie Ward (Leeds Rhinons, Oulton Raiders)
Tyler Dickinson (Huddersfield Giants, Siddal)
Oliver Davies (St Helens, Orrell St James)
Nick Gregson (Wigan Warriors, Wigan St Patricks)
Jansin Turgut (C) (Hull FC, West Hull)
Interchange:
Luke Waterworth (Wigan Warriors, Ince Rose Bridge)
Ted Chaplhow (Widnes Vikings, West Bank Bears)
Mikey Wood (Huddersfield Giants, Slaithwaite Saracens)
Elliot Minchella (Leeds Rhinos, West Bowling)
Australian Schoolboys (professional club and school in brackets):
Latrell Mitchell (Sydney City Roosters, Marist College Pagewood NSW)
Connor Cox (Morayfield State High School, Morayfield QLD)
Tyrell Fuiaomano (Parramatta Eels, Patrician Brothers College Blacktown NSW)
Tevita Cottrell (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Patrician Brothers College Blacktown NSW)
Gideon Gela (North Queensland Cowboys, Kirwan State High School Townsville QLD)
Brock Lamb (Newcastle Knights, St Mary’s College Maitland NSW)
Jack Cogger (Newcastle Knights, Mackillop Catholic College Warnervale NSW)
Hame Sele (St George Illawarra Dragons, Kingsgrove High School Kingsgrove NSW)
Jayden Brailey (Cronulla Sharks, Acquinas Catholic College Manai NSW)
Tom Amone (Parramatta Eela, The Hills Sports High School Seven Hills NSW)
Ray Stone (West Tigers, Wollindilly Anglican College Bargo NSW)
Ash Nisbet (Cronulla Sharks, St Gregory’s College Cambeltown NSW)
Nat Butcher (South Sydney Rabbitohs, Macellin College Randwick NSW)
Interchange:
Jacob Liddle (West Tigers, Wadalba Community School Wadalba NSW)
Luicano Leilua (St George Illawarra Dragons, Endeavour Sports High School Caringbah NSW)
Keegan Hipgrave (Brisbane Broncos, Palm Beach Currumbin State High School Palm Beach QLD)
Jacob Host (St George Illawarra Dragons, De la Salle College Revesby Heights NSW)
England Academy 18 (T: Davies, Gildart 2, Abdul; G: Abdul 1)
Australian Schoolboys 22 (T: Cottrell, Mitchell 2, Fuiaomano; G: Lamb 3)