Late surge sees Welsh youngsters home
February 14, 2003
Wales Under-21s scored two late tries to secure a welcome 27-16 victory against their Italian counterparts at the Stadion San Colomba in Benevento on Friday. Pontypridd wing Matthew Nuttall opened the scoring for Wales with a third-minute try. Swansea fly-half Gavin Henson, playing at inside centre on the night, added the conversion and a penalty. But Italian fly-half Andrea Marcato kicked three goals and Wales, leading 10-9, were struggling with back-row men Mark Lewis and James Malpas sent to the sin bin. Wales managed to weather the storm, though, and Llanelli scrum-half Mike Phillips crossed for a 55th-minute try. It was Phillips who made the break for the closing score, Swansea flanker Richard Pugh supporting and claiming the five points. Henson converted both second-half tries and added another penalty to take his points tally to 12. Marcato, who also weighed in with a converted try, scored all his side's 16 points. Wales coach Chris Davey said: "We dug deep for the win, it's a good result to start the Championship and gives us something to build on." |
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