England U20s still positive

England U20s women have had a tough few weeks if results are considered, with a 27-0 loss away to France three weeks ago, and last weekend a 28-0 loss to the same opposition at Esher Rugby Club.

On paper, it looks very much that the young French team stormed to two easy victories against their English counterparts, however the game at Esher this weekend told a different story, with both sides producing a passionate and spirited spectacle.

England were unlucky to concede an early try, despite some huge hits on the French line, and this, along with a controversial yellow card, seemed to dispirit the team that had started the brighter. Although their defensive structure and discipline was strong, and they showed great attacking potential out wide, a number of individual errors led to missed chances.

With the French creating, and finishing, their chances very well, England were left to reflect on what might have been, conceding another 2 tries before the break, and a fourth in the second half, without reply.

Talking to head coach Amanda Bennett after the game, the reaction was mixed; on the one hand, Bennett understands that history will only remember the 28-0 loss and rues the finishing errors that robbed the U20s of their first points of the season, but on the other hand the head coach was pleased with an improved performance, praising her young squad for their defensive structure, something that was targeted as an area to improve after the 27-0 loss earlier this year.

This improvement is even more for Bennett to be proud of considering she only met with her squad on Friday morning. The head coach is quick to praise her young team for their individual analysis work and feedback in the three weeks between the games, and although acknowledges that the French have benefitted from a 4 day camp in that same three weeks, Bennett makes no excuses for the second loss.

As much as the French may know they were lucky to come away with such a flattering scoreline (albeit after a very composed performance), and as much as the England U20s squad may feel that they deserved more, Bennett is pragmatic in her analysis of the game, and is honest about the errors which eventually separated the two sides. All it means for her, and her squad, is more analysis and a different focus for their next camp; there is no sense of panic, more a sense of determination.

And there is much for Bennett and her coaching team to be excited about. Outstanding performances from Sydney Gregson and Lucie Wood, as well as notable contributions from winger Millie Wood, the returning Katie Turnbull and the much talked about Amy Cokayne, defined a performance that highlighted a wealth of developing talent.

With a training camp in April to regroup, as well as a final game of the season against an Academy select group (also in April), there are more opportunities for this young squad to continue to grow and develop, and Bennett seems optimistic and determined that her squad will be able to rise to the challenges presented to them.

Pic thanks to Lee Crabb, Scrumpix