By Ricky Jones
March 23 2003

The game began with a strong kick off from Jonny Wilkinson, England gained possession and were away to a dynamic start. England immediately won themselves a penalty, opting for goal Wilkinson cooly converted his kick one minute into the game. Scotland responded though, with a deep kick back into England's 22, but the ball was whisked away from the ruck straight to Wilko who spiralled the ball far beyond the half way mark.

Scotland continued showing no fear as they defended well. 5 minutes in the score was 3 - 0 to England. Scotland were showing some strong moves with good handling skills, but were not able to out- wit clever England.

Scotland then started to lose ball though, as English forwards were winning many turn-overs - Scotland kept going nevertheless and won some ruck-ball of their own. With a huge boot from Metcalfe, Richard Hill was forced to cover the fullback's position, and (in a rush) hoofed the ball far into the stands, but not gaining the ground required. It gave England a chance to re-aline and sort themselves out, which they did, and Wilkinson cleared the ball once again.

Clever handling skills got England to the Scots 22 and a penalty was awarded to England for the tackler not rolling away from the ruck. Again, Jonny just lazily slotted the ball through the uprights. Score: 6 - 0 to England.

Immediately from the kick off Mower took out Mike Tindall in the air but it appeared that the Scotsman accidentally tripped over Jason Leonard's foot as he moved forward but he was sin binned regardless as it couldn't be proved.

Wilkinson kicked to touch and play continued. In the thirteenth minute Taylor was sin binned also, for tackling Josh Lewsey when he didn't have possession of the ball, a half witted challenge. A sloppy overhead pass from
Matt Dawson gave away the ball to Scottish fly half Townsend. Graham Rowntree bodychecked a Scot which resulted in a Scottish penalty from 41m. and a harsh warning for Rowntree. The penalty was converted.

Next to join
the others in the bin was Jason Robinson for an unmalicious barge on Logan blocking him from following up his chip. A penalty for Scotland, again converted. Score at this point still 6-6.

In the 21st minute England were showing positive play and great handling skills which concluded with a fast moving try for Josh Lewsey in the left hand corner- obviously converted by
Jonny Wilkinson. Scotland continued defending strongly and put pressure on England by kicking to their 22. Wilko still managed to clear, brushing off the tension.

A penalty was given away to Scotland within a few minutes after an easy kick the score now 13-9 to England. Scotland started giving away ball from one or two swinging arms in high tackles, after this England started creating some nice gaps and running lines. Will Greenwood on the
left wing threw an overhead pass to Ben Cohen who with two men hanging onto him powered his way almost over the line, but was eventually brought down.The ball was shipped down the back line, but Lewsey unfortunately fumbled the ball in the centre which if he had not have done, would have resulted in a try.

England given a penalty seconds later with Wilkinson skying the ball through the uprights.

HALF TIME Score: 16-9 to England.


England came out with renewed vigour in the second half and were clearly the dominant team with more than 60% in the opposite half. Will Greenwood displaying some incredible handling skills (something that he doesn't do
much of at Quins)

England upped the pace and suddenly the match came to life. Ben Cohen had a try disallowed quite unfairly - only to reclaim it seconds later, converted by Jonny Wilkinson. Score now 23-9 to England.

Another penalty was awarded after 15 mins with some clever jinking from Jason Robinson, converted by Jonny bringing the scoreline 26-9. In the 56th minute Dan Luger replaced the injured Mike Tindall, Robinson moved to centre
to allow Dan his favourite position. England began to get into trouble with some sloppy defensive work and Scotland were awarded a penalty, Logan went for goal, but missed, although 44m out it was straight in front of the
posts. Score remaining 26-9. Ben Kay was replaced by Danny Grewcock in the 62nd minute. Jason Robinson scored with a superb run through at least 4 Scottish players. Jonny converted his 7th kick out of 7, score now 33-9.

Paul Grayson came on in the 65th minute to replace Wilkinson. Beattie came on to replace Mower at the same time. Kerr came on to replace Douglas in the 73rd minute. Matt Dawson side stepped Logan after a clever pass from Dan Luger and off loaded to Jason Robinson who dived under the posts for his second try of the game, converted by Paul Grayson . The game ended at 40-9, a very acceptable score with Richard Hill being named as Man of the Match.


IRELAND - HERE WE COME!