Abendanon stars for England (From Stroud News and Journal)

Abendanon stars for England

NICK ABENDANON was delighted to mark his England debut with a victory as England Under-19s opened their Six Nations account with a hard-fought 24-10 victory over Wales at Aberavon on Thursday.

The 19-year-old former Beaudesert pupil from Minchinhampton has also been boosted by the recent offer of a three-year contract with Bath, where he currently plays on the wing for the Academy.

"Playing for England was awesome and a great experience," Abendanon told the SNJ. Abendanon and England stormed into a 24-5 half-time lead with four tries in front of a 2,500-strong crowd.

Wales came out firing on all cylinders, leaving England defending against lively opposition and 5-0 down after 12 minutes courtesy of Welsh scum-half Martin Roberts.

A skirmish saw two players binned after 19 minutes.

England began to take control. Andrew Boyde levelled the score at 21 minutes when he surged over and as Wales came back looking dangerously like scoring, England winger Dominic Shabbo intercepted a pass from Welsh fly-half Gareth Williams-Davies and galloped the length of the field to put the visitors 10-5 ahead.

Wasps fly-half Daniel Cipriani added the conversion and four minutes later collected a kick ahead from Adam Powell, touching down to take them 12 points clear at 17-5.

Just before the break it was the turn of Leeds Tykes full-back David Doherty and a well-judged conversion from Cipriani saw them go in 24-5 ahead.

The only score in the second half came from Welsh winger Michael Davies. England now face France Under-21s at Doncaster Rugby Club next Friday (7pm).