WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL

A dramatic last minute try and a spirited second-half fightback saw England Women earn a 14-14 draw in Biganos against France Women this evening. France, who have never beaten England in ten years of trying, controlled the first-half with two early penalties from Elisa Ciria, on 8 and 20 minutes, both after high tackles, and tries from Melanie Jean and Anais Mikalef gave the home side a 14-0 lead after 40 minutes.

The second-half belonged to England with Carrie Roberts going in for her first try in the 51^st minute and Andrea Dobson converting. Roberts then went in for her second try on 78 minutes after play was shifted from right to left to beat the French defence. On the last tackle of the game Amy Hardcastle scored a try to level the score at 14-14. Dobson was unsuccessful with the conversion.

Head coach Laurent Dupuy said: "We worked hard to win the physical battle and had a point to prove after Tonneins. I'm really proud of my team because today they achieved something really important for French rugby league."

FRANCE FEMENINES
Elisa Ciria, Fatou Sylla, Lucie Castello, Melanie Jean, Blandine Britis, Laurianne Guigue, Alice Varela, Nabila Zaghoudi, Gaelle Delas, Sandrine Lloria, Anais Mikalef, Gaelle Alvernhe, Sonia Zaghdoudi. Subs: Virginie Calvo, Cyndia Mansard, Coralie Maurouard, Stephanie Bras

ENGLAND WOMEN
Charlotte Booth, Sam Simpson, Tara Jones, Jodie Cunningham, Kayleigh Bulman, Faye Gaskin, Amy Robinson, Andrea Dobson, Lois Forsell, Sarah Fletcher, Carrie Roberts, Stacey White, Emily Rudge. Subs: Danielle Bound, Danika Priim, Jenny Welsby, Amy Hardcastle