Bracken's hat-trick inspires England

DESPITE going 14-0 down in the first half, Mapletoft's Mark men secured an impressive win spear headed by a hat-trick from debutant winger Jack Bracken.

- WILLIAM GURWELL

In the week, Bracken's World Cup-winning father, Kyran, said he gets more joy out of watching his sons play for England's age-grade sides than he did playing, and today would undoubtedly be the case.

England captain Finn Carnduff said after the game: "Credit to Argentina. They were a tough side. Jack (Bracken) was outstanding and got us crucial points at key moments.

"We'll take a lot from this game and now turn our attention to training for Fiji next week. We know it's going to be a physical battle but also in the loose as well." The game started in a frantic fashion, with nerves for both sides in the opening game of this important championship showcased through mistakes and knock-ons.

England were under pressure early on from a dynamic attacking Argentina presence, however a classic turnover from Henry Pollock initially saved England's blushes.

Eventually, the Argentinians were the first on the board as they came back firing as Franco Rosetto made a lovely break down the wing, finding his scrum-half Genaro Podesta on a trailing line, who dived over for the opening score, which Santino Di Lucca converted.

England responded quickly with Junior Kpoku charging down the clearance kick from the restart, but it bounced just too far and rolled dead.

Captain Carnduff followed it up with a dominant tackle and quickly got back to his feet, winning the penalty and leading his team by example.