England were far too strong for France this afternoon at the Leigh Sports Village, scoring 15 tries and 12 goals to a solitary French try to steamroll their opponents 84-4.
The English played some sparkling rugby at times, although the weakness of the opposition means that the benefits flowing from this game will be questionable when it comes to facing the Kiwis in the first Test in the Baskerville Shield series at Hull a week tomorrow.
England dominated the game early in each half, scoring three and four tries respectively in the opening ten minutes of each period.
Leeds centre Kallum Watkins opened to scoring after just two minutes when he touched down a Gareth Widdop chip to the line, with Widdop adding the first of his twelve goals.
Huddersfield star Brett Ferres scored a hat-trick of tries for England, while man of the match John Bateman, Ryan Hall and James Roby all scored two tries, while Josh Hodgson, Liam Farrell, Tom Burgess, George Williams and Joe Burgess each scored one.
France scored a solitary try from winger Olivier Arnaud, who touched down in the twelfth minute.
A full report and photos will feature in Monday’s edition of League Express
