FOUR players from Gwent played their part as Wales' Under-18s rugby league side kept up their impressive record in meetings with England Community Lions after a 40-10 win at Taff’s Well RFC.

Three South Wales Scorpions in Monmouth’s Jordan Howells, Newport’s TJ Collin and Ebbw Vale’s Rhys Finney played as well as Wigan Warriors’ Rhys Pugsley who is also from Newport.

Wing Howells and centre Collin were among the try scorers as a flurry of second half touchdowns proved telling as the hosts made it four wins from five in this fixture ahead of England’s return visit to Taff’s Well on Friday, October 18.

Howells scored the first of his side’s eight tries and the conversion gave the hosts a six-point advantage after eight minutes.

The Lions enjoyed a fair share of possession during the first half, but wasted promising field position through handling errors.

A moment of controversy ensued on the half-hour mark as Howells raced out of the line to quell an overlap, but the centre’s shoulder charge was penalised only, and from the penalty England were again denied by a forward pass on the left edge.

A feature of Wales’ play was the timely addition of Chris Leyshon into the line.

Bradley Mais found Leyshon on his shoulder to unlock the Lions defence for Wales’ second.

Jamie Tracey crossed next to the posts for England’s opening try as they trailed 10-6 at half-time.

Lewis Stockton got number three before Leyshon got his second as Wales started running away with the match.

Wales scored two tries in quick succession courtesy of second row Mais, forcing his way over from close range before a similar Collin effort.

Thomas Davies and Josh Williams also crossed for late tries to complete the rout.

Wales scorers – Tries: J Howells, C Leyshon (2), L Stockton, B Mais, TJ Collin, T Davies, J Williams; Goals: Davies (4).

Wales Under 18s: C Leyshon (South Wales Scorpions), L Stockton (Conwy Celts), M Davies (North Wales Crusaders), J Howells (South Wales Scorpions), K Moore (Bradford Bulls), C Davies (South Wales Scorpions), J Sheridan (Conwy Celts), M Connor (South Wales Scorpions), C Farrer (South Wales Scorpions), O Philips (South Wales Scorpions), TJ Collin (South Wales Scorpions), B Mais (Wigan Warriors), R Pugsley (Wigan Warriors).

Replacements: O Vickers (Telford Raiders), R Finney (South Wales Scorpions), R Fitzgerald (South Wales Scorpions), J Griffiths (Gwendraeth Valley Raiders), S Boundford (Treharris Phoenix), J Williams (Gloucestershire All Golds).