ENGLAND fought off the spirited challenge of the Welsh to gain at least a share of the Home International Championship for 1946-47. Several times the crowd were treated to the smooth rhythmic understanding of a team with so many outstanding talents, although the typical Welsh tenacity made sure that they knew that they had been in a very tough game.

An early goal is welcome in any game and it took England only eight minutes to take the lead. Tommy Lawton sent a long raking pass out to Bobby Langton on the left wing and Langton's cross was met by Raich Carter, who scrambled it towards goal. Wilf Mannion was also in the area and helped the ball on its way with a touch through Sidlow's legs. Although the ball was cleared by Hughes, the referee had decided that it had already crossed the goal-line.

Two good efforts by Ivor Powell then went close for Wales as they hit back strongly. The first shot went over and the second was superbly saved by Frank Swift. Then, with five minutes to go before half-time, England scored a second goal to set Wales back on their heels. Fine work and passing by Billy Wright, Carter and Mannion set up Lawton. The centre-forward needed no second bidding and Sidlow was soon picking the ball out of his net.

In the second half, Wales tried everything they knew to get back into the game. They threw everything at the home defence. Richards shot wide and Swift again saved well, this time from a header by Aubrey Powell. For 15 minutes it was all Wales but England weathered the storm and on 76 minutes they produced another flash of brilliance to finally kill off the Welsh dragons.

Tom Finney found Henry Cockburn with a pass in midfield and he, in turn, found Lawton. Mannion then came from nowhere to speed through a gap to take the final pass and settle the match with a good shot.