UNDER-16 INTERNATIONAL

A dramatic night in Pia saw England take the honours after an heroic comeback against a French side who must have thought it was their night

England recovered from a ten-point half-time deficit to seal the win in the first test, with France starting on top as home winger Samirdine Youssouf scored within minutes of kick off.

England did hit the front shortly after as Andrew Bullman raced over, halfback Harry Smith adding the extras, but France launched a firm response. Thibault Franck racked up a brace, with Arthur Mourgue converting both tries for a 16-6 interval lead.

However, the visitors struck back soon after the restart as second rower Joe Summers crashed over on 45 minutes, before Cameron Scott’s try and Smith’s third goal from three attempts saw England edge ahead once more.

That was a lead they never relinquished, with late tries from centre Robbie Storey and substitute Josh Pinder, plus one more Smith goal, adding extra gloss to the scoreline.

FRANCE U16
Brice Pena, Enzo Gruppi, Mathieu Laguerre, Valentin Zafra, Samirdine Youssouf, Arthur Mourgue,  Thibault Franck, Barthelemy Rouge, Thibault Osuna, Florian Vailhen, Luc Delor, Corentin Le Cam, Arnaud Hack, Guilhem Munuera, Hugo Salabio, Julian Berdu, Jean Pierre Lima

ENGLAND U16
Herbie Farnworth, Andrew Bulman, Cameron Scott, Robbie Storey, Joe Edge, Callum McClelland, Harry Smith, Jack Brown, Jordan Webster, Nathan Wilde, Joe Shorrocks, Joe Summers, Matthew Ashcroft, Josh Pinder, Sam Storey, Loui McConnell, Adam Rooks