We visited the Lextan Gnoll in Neath on Saturday, 3 August 2024 to photograph the Under 16 Four Nations Rugby League Championship game between Wales and England Community Lions.
Wales Under 16 secured an outstanding victory against England to clinch the Under 16 Four Nations title, remaining unbeaten for the second consecutive year. Despite pre-match expectations of an evenly contested game, Wales dominated, leading 12-0 at half-time and ultimately sealing a well-deserved win.
The match began with intense competition, but Wales quickly asserted their dominance. They were 12-0 up at half-time, courtesy of two converted tries, though they had three more disallowed. England had an early chance in the seventh minute when Archie Storr’s effort was ruled out for a double movement. Wales continued to press, with several close attempts being denied by the referee.
Wales finally broke the deadlock in the 27th minute with a fine passing move finished by Elis Thomas and converted by Matthew Clatworthy. A second try followed swiftly, with Sam Dickinson sprinting 50 metres to score under the posts, making Clatworthy’s kick straightforward and giving Wales a solid lead at the break.
Early in the second half, Wales faced some challenges as England capitalised on errors to get on the scoreboard. Travis Jack-Morse scored in the corner, with Mason Bowes converting, narrowing the gap to 12-6. However, Wales responded by tightening their defence and turning defence into attack. Jac Jones, Dickinson, Thomas, and Clatworthy combined to set up Ralf Roberts, who scored in the corner, with Clatworthy adding the extras.
Clatworthy further extended the lead with a penalty, putting Wales 20-6 up. England managed another try through Jack-Morse, but Bowes’ missed conversion kept Wales 10 points ahead with five minutes remaining. Wales wrapped up the game with two more tries. Dickinson weaved through the English defence to score, followed by Evan Williams sprinting past tired defenders to secure the final try. Clatworthy converted both, cementing a comprehensive victory.
You can browse the complete Wales v England Community Lions Under 16 Four Nations Rugby League Championship match image gallery our dedicated photography website.
Wales
1. Samuel Dickenson (Woolston Rovers/St. Ambrose College)
2. Jac Jones (Cardiff Blue Dragons/The Bishop of Llandaff High School)
3. Harley Smith (Cynon Valley Cavaliers/Aberdare Community School)
4. Morgan Marozzelli (Aber Valley Wolves/Blackwood Comprehensive School)
5. Ralf Roberts (Halton Farnworth Hornets/Ysgol Morgan Llywd)
6. Evan Williams (Torfaen Tigers/ West Monmouth School)
7. Matthew Clatworthy (Bridgend Blue Bulls/Porthcawl Comprehensive School)
8. Isaac Holdsworth (Siddal/Brighouse High School)
9. Finlay Walker (Aber Valley Wolves/Y Pant Comprehensive School)
10. Jake Sheppard (Torfaen Tigers/Islwyn High School)
11. Will Mathers (Kippax Welfare/Castleford Academy)
12. Josh Harding (Aber Valley Wolves/Blackwood Comprehensive School)
13. Harvey Williams (Aber Valley Wolves/Ebbw Fawr Learning Community)
Substitutes:
14. Oliver Rees (Swansea Rams/Ysgol Y Strade)
15. Cole Pelopida (Torfaen Tigers/Cwmbran High School)
16. Tyler Mills (Crosfields/Great Sankey High School)
17. Elis Thomas (Bridgend Blue Bulls/Ysgol Gyfun Bro Dur)
18. Charlie Thomas (Swansea Rams/ Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bro Myrddin)
20. Owain Martin (Bridgend Blue Bulls/Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe)
22. Hari Arthur (Swansea Rams/Ysgol Y Strade)
England Community Lions
1. Jayden Tyson (Egremont Rangers)
2. Travis Jack-Morse (Castleford Panthers)
3. Saul Campbell (Gateshead Storm)
4. Archie Storr (Kippax Welfare)
5. Ellis Holliday (Hensingham)
6. Bobby Dickinson (Hensingham)
7. Preston Burgess (Kippax Welfare)
8. Joseph Higgins-Meadows (Leigh Miners Rangers)
14. Declan Rigby (Halton Farnworth Hornets)
10. Kolby Harmer (Oulton Raiders)
18. Seb Jeffers (Shaw Cross Sharks)
12. Mason Bowes (Hunslet ARLFC)
13. Reece Galvin (Leigh Miners Rangers, captain)
Substitutes:
9. Dylan Morris (Egremont Rangers)
15. Jack Barker (Millom)
16. Bradley McDonough (Leigh Miners Rangers)
17. Alex Richardson (Latchford Albion)
11. Noel Gardner-Lewis (Leigh East)
19. Junior Redmond (Normanton Knights)
20. Josh Doran (Hensingham)
Match Referee: Rob Apsee
