Barnes full-back Guy Lavery scored a try as England Deaf came close to a first victory over Wales at Broadstreet RFC last weekend.

England had conceded 50 or more points in each of the previous two meetings between the sides but the growing strength of Deaf Rugby in this country was demonstrated by a vastly improved and competitive performance which rattled Wales.

In the end the accurate kicking of Celyn Ashton, the Wales full-back, proved decisive as he contributed 20 of his side's points including six penalties which punished England for their indiscipline.

Earlier, Lavery scored England’s opening try from a flowing handling move and Peter Altham also went over late in the game.

England’s starting line-up also featured Richmond’s Kris Mannering and Old Whitgiftians’ Truter Bothma.

England Deaf: 15 Guy Lavery (Barnes); 14 Martin Ryan (West Park St Helens), 13 Matthew Cook (Leicester Lions), 12 Craig Orrick (West Park St Helens), 11 Adam Faulkner (Newport); 10 Mark Lewis (Brighton - captain), 9 Lee Wollard (Sidcup); 1 Tim Aldridge (Twickenham), 2 Peter Altham (Wharfedale), 3 Nick Todd (Petersfield), 4 Kris Mannering (Richmond), 5 Danny McAllister (Luton), 6 Bob Turner (Old Leamingtonians), 7 Ian Collins (Sevenoaks), 8 Truter Bothma (Old Whitgiftian). Replacements used: Len Fincham (South Leicester), Brett Pruce (Aylestone St James), Rob Hill (Chinnor), Leigh Bialik (Haywards Heath).

Scorers: Tries: Lavery, Altham. Con: Orrick Pen: Orrick 2.