England Two From Two
Navy winger, Josh Drauniniu was joined by two of his Exeter Chiefs team mates as England overcome the challenge of the USA. Meanwhile in the International Overseas competition, HMS Lancaster lose out to CGS in their Plate Quarter Final. Phillips leads England to victory Friday November 28, 2008 Issued by Jessica Chambers England 24 - 10 USA England enter their final match this evening unbeaten thanks to two tries from England Sevens Captain Ollie Phillips at the Emirates Airline Dubai Sevens. Phillips burst over the line twice and kicked two conversions to secure his sides victory, along with fellow try scorers Rob Vickerman and Isoa Damudamu. England were on the scoreboard within the second minute of play with Uche Oduoza (Suntory, Japan) tearing towards the line only to be pulled down by the USA defence, Uche quickly passed to Phillips, who, ran over the line and converted his own score. The USA were quick to answer back, running the length of the field, weaving between England's defence to claim their first try but missing the conversion taking the score to 7-5. England's defence was tested again as the USA went in for a second try but a Damu tackle put an end to their chance. Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie) was next to score just as the buzzer went for half time taking the scores at the break to 12-5. Disaster struck, just after half time when Damu was yellow carded following a technical error. USA took advantage to score their second try but failed to convert. England's defence held out well and they were rewarded with a Phillips try in the fifth minute of the second half. USA had further chances when England lost their ball at the restart but nothing materialised and a knock on by USA gave England an opportunity, which was taken by Damu - who had returned from the bin - redeeming himself by sprinting the length of the pitch to score. Phillips failed to convert taking the final scores to 24-10. Scrum Half Kevin Barrett said, "Everything has gone well for us so far today and we're really positive. Plenty to work on for the next one which is going to be another tough one, there's no better contest then playing Fiji. Two down one to go." England: Isoa Damudamu (Army), Rob Vickerman (Leeds Carnegie), Uche Oduoza (Suntory, Japan), Ollie Phillips (Captain, Newcastle Falcons), Josua Drauniniu (Exeter Chiefs/Royal Navy), Kevin Barrett (Exeter Chiefs), Chris Cracknell (Exeter Chiefs). Replacements: Tom Biggs (Leeds Carnegie), Micky Young (Newcastle Falcons), James Rodwell (Moseley RFC). England play Fiji at 7.56pm local time, GMT 3.56pm England scorers: Tries: Phillips (2), Damu, Vickerman. Conversions: Phillips (2)