England Counties win in Madrid
Jun
ENGLAND Counties launched their three-match tour to Spain with an eight-try demolition of a Madrid XV, their 53-24 success combining quality rugby with the disjointed moments expected from the opening game of a tour.
The tourists were never at risk as they led from the outset, leading 20-10 at half-time with tries from centre Tom Hughes, full-back Gareth Collins and wingman Curtis Wilson, fly-hald Ollie Thomas adding a conversion and a penalty.
Tries from scrum-half Harry Peck, prop Craig Voisey, centre Steve Hamilton, wingman Ollie Brennand and flanker Tom Stradwick followed after the break, Thomas converting four.
Madrid had tries from Bartolo Durand, Aldo Guidi and Sergio Fernandez, with Santiago Fernandez converting all three and adding a penalty.
“I thought we gave a workmanlike performance,” said Manager Mike Old: “Everybody on the team has made a positive contribution. There were a couple of bits and piece in the continuity department that were disappointing, but for a first game we did very well.”
