Posted on May 14, 2012 in England Sevens
Dan Norton set a new England record in the HSBC Sevens World Series with tries in victories over France (28-0) and the USA (15-5) on the opening day of the Marriott London Sevens.
Norton scored a record 36thtry of the season as England saw off France 28-0 in the opening game of the Marriott London Sevens.
Former Bristol and Gloucester wing Norton has now scored more times in a sevens campaign than any other England player in the 13-year history of the HSBC Sevens World Series, overtaking Rob Thirlby (35) in a list that includes the likes of Ugo Monye and David Strettle.
England’s other scores came from Sam Edgerley, who picked up to two tries – and a yellow card during the second half – with Tom Mitchell touching down once and kicking four conversions.
England stuttered early on against France with a number of unforced errors but Edgerley broke from long range, Mitchell exploited some good defensive work that turned over the ball and Edgerley again reacted fastest to snatch the ball and race in from inside his own half to put England 21-0 clear at the interval.
The half back was sent to the sin-bin mid-way through the second half, though, but England did well with only six on the field with James Rodwell covering the ground with ball in hand before Turner twisted and turned the French and before putting Norton away.
Former Gloucester and Bristol wing Norton took his total to 37 this term, more than any Englishman has scored in a single season of on the world series, overtaking Rob Thirlby’s tally of 35 in 2003-04.
Sam Edgerley (2) and Tom Mitchell added tries for England against France with Mitchell converting all four.
Edgerley and Mitchell were also on target against the USA, who briefly threatened when Rocco Mauer levelled the game.
Dan Fish got the consolation try against Spain having scored the clincher against Zimbabwe when Richard Smith and Rhys Jones also scored.
England had stuttered during both their opening games with a high error count but they were untroubled once Edgerley – a Latin and Greek student at University College London – raced in from long range.
Mitchell exploited some good defensive work that won a turn-over for the second try and Edgerley again reacted fastest to snatch the ball and race in from inside his own half to put England 21-0 clear at the interval.
The half back was sent to the sin-bin mid-way through the second half, though, but England did well with only six on the field before Mat Turner put Norton away.
England were more composed against the USA, a patient passage of build-up play culminating in Mitchell’s opening try.
Mauer levelled but Edgerley then took advantage of some ball-winning work from Chris Cracknell to dart over, then more thoughtful build-up play allowed Norton to stroll over for this season’s try No.37.
(more…)
Graham Rowntree analyses the unique challenges facing England on this summer’s tour to South Africa in this week’s RFU Podcast.
Comments