England Knights 38-18 France
England Knights marked their inaugural fixture with a 38-18 win over France at Leigh Sports Village this afternoon.
The Knights led 18-6 at half-time, and two Josh Charnley tries within ten minutes of the restart ended the game as a contest.
France play England’s first team at Avignon next week (Friday 21st October), while the Knights take on Cumbria at Whitehaven (Saturday 22nd October).
Man of the Match Richie Myler opened the scoring for England, initiating a break down the left before regaining the ball and racing over from twenty metres, Charnley converting.
France were dominated the play following Myler’s try but were unable to score, and on the half-hour Danny Houghton crossed and Charnley converted to extend the Knights’ lead.
Gregory Mounis replied for the visitors, Thomas Bosc adding the goal, but England re-established their 12-point lead when Myler sent Jodie Broughton over the line and Charnley added his third goal.
England extended their lead to 26-6 shortly after the restart: Matty Smith’s kick to the corner was claimed by Charnley who crossed at the corner, and Charnley posted his second try soon after thanks to a defensive error.
Smith and Myler combined for Stefan Ratchford to post the Knights’ sixth try, Ben Westwood converting for a 32-6 lead.
But France hit back, first through Eloi Pellisier and then when David Ferriol’s superb handling allowed Cyril Stacul to cross, Bosc converting both.
England, however, had the last word, Luke Gale dummying his way under the posts and Charnley adding his fourth and final goal.
England Knights
T: Myler (5); Houghton (30); Broughton (40); Charnley (45, 47); Ratchford (52); Gale (76)
G: Charnley (5, 30, 40, 76); Westwood (52)
T: Mounis (38); Pelissier (60); Stacul (71)
G: Bosc (38, 60, 71)
HT: 18-6
Ref: T. Alibert
Att: 2,071