WALES lost two of their three games in the England section of the International Board sevens series at the Stoop Memorial Ground yesterday.

They lost a hard game against Samoa 24-7 and then fell to a 17-0 defeat against rivals England.

But the Welsh team, containing four Newport players, recovered to beat West Indies 31-14 in their final pool match.

The results mean Wales play in the bowl competition today, against Portugal and then France if they come through.

Wales fought hard in their opening two games and lost only in the closing stages. Against Samoa they trailed 12-7 before conceding two tries at the end. It was a similar story against England, with Wales trailing 7-0 before conceding a late interception try.

Newport centre Jonathan Pritchard didn't play against the country he represented at under-21 level and below.

But he was a member of the Welsh team in the other matches, while Newport colleague Jason Forster led Wales in all their games. Pritchard and two more Newport players, Emyr Lewis and Matthew Watkins, all scored tries against the West Indies.

Another member of the side was Cross Keys back row forward Will Thomas, who is joining Gwent rivals Ebbw Vale.

Team manager John Ryan, also of Newport, the former Wales coach, was disappointed with the results and the lack of support at the Harlequins ground.

"It was disappointing for us because we played quite well and were on top, but we made unforced errors and you get punished for that at this level," he said.

The sevens series moves to Wales this week with the opening day at Newport on Saturday and the climax at the Millennium Stadium on Sunday.

A big boost will be provided by superstar Jonah Lomu, who will join up with the New Zealand squad when they come to Wales.