Wheelchair Rugby League Encounter
England: (12) 34
Scores: Hawkins, Coyd, King (2), Collins, Halliwell Goals: Coyd, Collins (4)
France: (30) 43
Scores: Bourson (3), Alazard, Dore, Verdi Goals: Alazard (8), Verdi Drop Goal: Guttadoro
In Leeds, England’s Wheelchair Rugby League team experienced a setback, losing 43-34 to France, in what was a replay of their World Cup showdown.
The French team exacted a measure of payback for their World Cup final loss to England last year, with Jeremy Bourson leading the charge by racking up three tries.
England’s performance was marred by a lack of strategic discipline and defensive solidity, especially noticeable in the first half of the game.
Despite a more concerted effort after halftime, England couldn’t wrestle control away from the French side.
This encounter was the opener in a two-part series, with the sequel scheduled for the 25th of November in Marseille.
England’s skipper, Tom Halliwell, expressed his sentiments to Sport Newes Center post-match.
“It’s absolutely gut-wrenching. Donning the England jersey is a matter of pride, and the expectation is to excel.
“Our second-half performance was commendable, yet our early mistakes put us in a tough spot.
“Hats off to the French team—they put up a formidable fight, and it was an uphill battle to topple them in the World Cup final. Nonetheless, we’ll regroup and come prepared for Marseille.”
Both teams have long been titans in the sport, with France clinching World Cup titles in 2013 and 2017, only to be unseated by England with a score of 28-24 in Manchester the previous year.
England initiated the match with a burst of confidence, securing an early lead with Rob Hawkins’ try, complemented by Joe Coyd’s conversion. However, their momentum quickly dwindled, leading to a lackluster defensive display.
The reinvigorated French team, missing the formidable duo Gilles Clausells and Nico Clausells, quickly accumulated a 30-point lead, rendering the over 2,300-strong crowd at the First Direct Arena silent.
Bourson added two tries to his tally, and alongside scores from Damien Dore and Lionel Alazard, with Alazard kicking an impressive seven goals, France took a commanding lead.
Urgently needing to respond, England managed a pivotal score from Coyd just before halftime, followed by a concerted second-half push led by Jack Brown.
King’s corner try and Collins’ conversion narrowed the French lead, only for Yann Verdi to extend it again, and Bourson’s third try kept French hopes buoyant.
Halliwell and King, with Collins’ conversions, clawed back to a single-digit deficit, but the French defense stood resilient, displaying superior tactical acumen to seal their triumph.
Stay updated with live match details via the Sport Newes Center app notifications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Wheelchair Rugby League Rematch
What was the final score in the Wheelchair Rugby League rematch between England and France?
The final score saw France emerge victorious with a 43-34 win against England.
Who was the standout player for France in their victory over England?
Jeremy Bourson was the standout player, scoring a hat-trick for France in their win.
When is the next game in the Wheelchair Rugby League series between England and France?
The next game in the series is scheduled to be played in Marseille on Saturday, 25 November.
What did England captain Tom Halliwell say about the defeat to France?
Tom Halliwell said he was gutted about the defeat, but he acknowledged the team’s second-half effort and saw the loss as motivation and a lesson for the future.
How many points did Lionel Alazard score for France in the Wheelchair Rugby League match against England?
Lionel Alazard scored a total of 16 points for France, consisting of one try and eight goals.
More about Wheelchair Rugby League Rematch
- Wheelchair Rugby League International Scores
- England’s Wheelchair Rugby League Team
- France’s Revenge in Rugby League
- Sport Newes Center: England vs France Match Report
- Tom Halliwell’s Post-Match Comments
- Upcoming Sports Events in Marseille
5 comments
missed the match, can’t believe England let it slip after that World Cup win? they’ll bounce back i’m sure, they always do
totally gutted for England, they had it at the start what happened lads??? gotta up the defense next time
Allez les Bleus! Bourson’s a beast, hat-trick hero! looking forward to crushing it in Marseille
This is why wheelchair rugby league is so exciting, no lead is safe and the game changes in seconds! Props to France for a solid game
England’s second half come back got me on the edge of my seat didn’t think theyd close the gap but they almost did! next game’s gonna be epic