Hensingham’s Fletcher Holgate scored two tries as he helped the England Under-16s Lions battle their way to a 28-20 win over Scotland Under-16s.
Cumbria had three young Lions who were at the heart of the rugby league international victory in Dalkeith.
As the teams tested each other in the opening minutes, England were twice caught offside, gifting possession to Scotland who took full advantage of the mistakes. They were able to open the scoring with an unconverted try from Isaac Reid.
England quickly responded with Holgate diving over to touchdown and the try was converted by Tom Papworth to take the lead.
There was little to separate the teams and Scotland came back with a second try, this one converted for a four point lead.
Back came England and converted tries from Brandan Rowland and Cobie McGillivary gave England a half time 18-10 lead.
Kells’ winger Jamie Jennings had an excellent game in the first half, but took a nasty knock and had to be substituted 20 minutes in.
Kells’ second Lion, Jackson Evans, was used as an interchange in the second half and was immediately in the thick of the action, making a series of good runs and tackles.
With increasing England pressure on the field, Holgate gave England breathing space with his second try for a 24-10 lead, with Papworth again converting.
Scotland went straight back at England and clawed back the Lions’ lead with a third unconverted try for 14-24, but as the clock ticked down, Harrison Dodd scored England’s fifth and final try. Papworth was denied a full house when his kick hit the post leaving the score at 28-14.
A late try from Scotland’s Reid, converted by Alfie Maclean in the final minutes, was never going to be enough, and the Lions took the victory in a hard-fought game.
