JENNER PARK in Barry hosted an international match as Wales played England at over-75 level.
After losing the toss, England chose to play with a strong wind at their backs but Wales started the stronger, with Handley Brusted marshalling the back three and Gerry Jones and Mike Williams taking control of midfield.
The England back line found it hard to keep up with the pace of Wales forwards Billy Arnold and Mike Soroko, which led to a number of free kicks in the Welsh players’ favour. In the 25th minute, Arnold was through on goal, only to be taken out by the England centre half. Referee Graham Evans brandished a rather lenient yellow card – his second to the England team. Jones went close with the ensuing free kick.
The moment that changed the game came after 30 minutes when Arnold, again free 30 yards out hit a superb goal-bound shot. The England keeper, who was five yards outside his box and with the ball sailing over his head, palmed the ball away. After a long deliberation the referee – to the amazement of all Welsh supporters, only brandished a yellow card.
England began to take a bit more control and on the 40th scored with their first real attack – striker Mark Hughes hit a sweet shot from the edge of the box.
The Welsh heads dropped and Herb Riches added a second minutes later, after good work down the right from Jim Ellis.
The second half became a stalemate with captain Joe Quarini, Brusted and Steve Hold controlling at the back. For England, Geoff Martel had a superb game in midfield. Sue Evans of The Bevan Commission presented manager Ken Pollock with The Aneurin Bevan Shield. Handley Brusted and Geoff Martel received player of the match awards.
The game at Jenner Park was hosted by Barry Town chairman Mark Barrett and was a fundraiser for Prostate Cymru, with Wales manager Tim Bowker handing over a cheque for £1,100.
Report by Tim Bowker
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