Miss England can’t inspire the side to new heights against world champs
England found the world champions too hot to handle in an entertaining deaf rugby international. But team manager Andy Stonehouse, who lives in Knebworth and belongs to Hitchin Rugby Club, had a reason to smile despite the 66-7 defeat to Wales at Broadstr
England found the world champions too hot to handle in an entertaining deaf rugby international.
But team manager Andy Stonehouse, who lives in Knebworth and belongs to Hitchin Rugby Club, had a reason to smile despite the 66-7 defeat to Wales at Broadstreet RFC near Coventry on Sunday afternoon.
Georgia Horsley, the reigning Miss England, presented the players with their caps before the game but it was the Wales skipper who collected the new Broadstreet Cup from the Miss World contestant after the match.
Stonehouse said about the result: "I was disappointed that we didn't get what we wanted, but must admit we were beaten by a better side.
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"I must admit we will have lots of work to do, mostly fitness and I will be looking at the video.
"My highlight of the day is that I met and had a chat with Miss England, Georgia Horsley!"
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England, relatively new to the game, have recently secured firm sponsorship and membership of the Rugby Football Union.
They fielded five new caps with two more on the bench and did well to hold the visitors 7-7 until the 30th minute.
Three mostly breakaway tries for Wales in the last 10 minutes of the half gave them a slightly flattering 24-7 lead.
Wales's depth of experience and slicker teamwork showed from the start of the second half with an unanswered six-try blitz, including a penalty try.
England still felt they were making progress after the 65-0 defeat to Wales at their last meeting at Dunvant in November 2006.
Their next game will be at Broadstreet RFC against Scotland on March 9 when there will also be a 'taster' session for young deaf players to have a go at playing rugby.
