Fantastic four shine during England Students’ defeat in Lisbon

Having been watched by England Students scouts over the course of the year, seven Durham players were invited to the first round of trials, along with 75 players from other universities.

The Durham contingent impressed during the intense trials, which consisted of two days of training and matches, but with only 36 places up for grabs competition was fierce.

Despite playing well, Timmy Walford, Tom Shiel and Richard Boyle were unable to make the final squad, but should be proud of themselves nonetheless.

However, Mines (prop), Waddingham (flanker), Ward (fly half) and Crozier (fullback) all made the cut for the first game against the full Portugal national team in Lisbon.

Whilst Portugal are no rugby powerhouse, they are no slouches either having scored a try against New Zealand in the 2007 World Cup, and the England boys knew they would be in for a tough game at the Estadio Universitario de Lisboa.

The match was played at a faster tempo than the young English team were used to, but they gained lots of early yards with some strong possession which in turn filled the team with confidence. England took the lead when Bath fly half Paul Roberts converted a penalty, only for Portuguese fullback Pedro Leal to level the scores in the 32nd minute.

Matt Humphries, of the University of the West of England, went over the line after some precise counter-attacking to put England 10-3 up at the interval.

After the break, England continued to dominate and were rewarded for their good work when a move on the blind side of the scrum brought them their second try as captain Phil Burgess went over the line.
With Roberts and Leal converting penalty opportunities on both sides the score was 18-9 as the full time whistle approached.

But two quick tries at the death from the home side completely changed the atmosphere in the ground as Portugal claimed a 21-18 victory.

Despite the frustrating ending the boys can be proud of their performance, and will hope to bounce back with a win against their Irish counterparts at Kingston Park in a few weeks time.

Mines, who started the game and played 70 minutes before being taken off, said: “it was an immense privilege to play in an international fixture against a side that has played in the World Cup.

“I was frustrated to lose in the manner we did, but I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I can’t wait to pull on the white shirt again in a couple of weeks”.

Waddingham, who entered the game in the 50th minute, echoed his team mate saying: “it is an experience I’m never going to forget. Lining up for the national anthem was an incredible feeling.

“It was quite surreal to be wearing the England shirt as it’s a dream come true”.

Crozier, who joined the fray at the same time as Waddingham, said: “it was nice to pay back all the people who have helped me with my rugby throughout my time at Durham”.

Ward, just a fresher, joked: “I got a lot of stick for being so young and it was a bit daunting at first. But I loved every minute and can’t wait for the Ireland game”.