England turn on style for grand victory

England Academy 28 Australian Schools

England's Under-18 side achieved something no other northern-hemisphere team has done in 30 years of tours by beating the previously invincible Young Australians yesterday.

This year's crop of budding professionals succeeded where previous generations have failed through a combination of expansive rugby and determined defence which was a credit to their preparation under their coach, Mike Gregory. "The future's bright," he said afterwards. "It shows we're getting something right."

It was a stirring performance from the host nation from the start, with two tries in the first 12 minutes getting the home side off on the right foot.

Dwaine Barker got the first from an excellent pass from his Leeds team-mate, Richard Mathers, and Wigan's Gareth Hock claimed an extraordinary second, shrugging off a series of tackles.

The Australians hit back with tries from Dimitri Pelo and Steven Ross to pull level, but England led at the break after a magnificent score, set up by Luke Robinson's quick penalty and lovely handling from Chris Melling and Barker to give Matt Gardner his chance on the right wing.

When the prop, Tom Gallagher, stormed through from 30 yards to make it a 12-point lead, England sensed the possibility of a famous win, but Pelo's second kept them on their toes and they were glad of another fine piece of finishing from Gardner.

Australia closed the gap again through Ross, but some outstanding tackling and a penalty from Melling allowed England to hang on for their historic victory. "That was the proudest moment of my coaching career, but Australia will be better when we play them again on Friday," Gregory said.

The Australians were disgruntled about some of the first-half decisions from the referee, Karl Kirkpatrick. "But we don't want to use that as an excuse," said their coach, Mike McEntyre. "That record had to go sometime – it's just a shame it had to be today."

ENGLAND ACADEMY: Melling (Wigan); Gardner (Leeds), Barker (Leeds), Bridge (Bradford), Wray (Wakefield); Mathers (Leeds), Robinson (Wigan); Bailey (Leeds), Beswick (Wigan), Barton (Wigan), Wilkin (St Helens), Langley (Bradford), Hock (Wigan). Substitutes used: Gallagher (Leeds), Johnson (St Helens), Saxton (Castleford), Horne (Hull).

Australian Schools: Farrell; Pelo, Ross, Caine, Ale; Aitken, Smith; Weyman, Goodhew, Learoyd, Sims, Hammant, Fulton. Substitutes used: Mercer, Lillyman, Poore, Hoffman.

Referee: K Kirkpatrick (Warrington).