France U19s secured a 21-7 comeback win against Great Britain men at Coventry’s Butts Park Arena.
After settling early nerves in the first quarter, the Lions grew into the game during the opening half – and took the lead with a score straight out of the London Blitz playbook. The chemistry between Quarterback Corey Badry and clubmate Harley Skinner Henry was in clear evidence as the two combined after defensive back Joe Timmons had broken up a period of French offensive play.
Freddy Terry adding the extra point and GB held the lead into the half time interval. But unfortunately those were to be the final points they could muster for the enthusiastic home supporters under the Coventry floodlights .
Favourites France never seemed rattled and a half time locker-room intervention by head coach Emmanuel Maguet clearly paid dividends. The visitors levelled matters in a dominant third quarter through running back Warren Mudingayi. And although GB showed glimpses of promise, the French retained the momentum.
MVP Mathias Ciocan broke free on a 70-yard run on the end of a short pass before securing the win with a one-yard run and two-point rush. The win ensures France will compete in Group B of the next European Championships, while Great Britain will participate in Group C.
