ALEX Mitchell appeared at scrum half for the England under 18s team in their 23-15 loss to a resilient Welsh side in Swansea.

Billy McBryde showed pace to outrun Lymm High School’s Mitchell into the corner for Wales’ 5-0 lead.

But England hit back and after Mitchell tapped a penalty the ball was worked out wide to Mathew Protheroe, who offloaded to Brophy Clews to score.

Wales regained the lead through the boot of McBryde, but England went ahead when outside centre Dominic Morris picked off a loose pass to run in unopposed to make it 10-8, which is how it stayed until the break.

Wales again took the lead after a successful McBryde penalty, and two more tries put them 23-10 ahead.

England grabbed a well-worked consolation try from Segun, who flew over in the corner after patient build up.

Forwards Coach Pete Walton said: “We’re disappointed because we know that we didn’t really turn up. Wales were very good and deserved the win. Our ball retention wasn’t good enough and we didn’t do what we’re capable of at the breakdown.

“But this will be valuable experience for the players. You don’t become a bad player because of a defeat, our job is to make sure these lads become better players because of it.”