Joseph strikes to seal victory

England .......... 29 France .............. 25

ENGLAND U18s bounced back from the opening game defeat to Argentina with a four-try victory over France. France held a narrow 13-10 lead at the break with England’s points coming via a Will Trenholm converted try and Charlie Atkinson’s penalty. Second-half scores from Trenholm, Louis Hillman-Cooper and Will Joseph – younger brother of England centre Jonathan – helped seal victory, despite two late tries from France. Coach Jim Mallinder said: “I think it was a very encouraging performance. We learned some good lessons from last week. Defensively we were very secure, made some good two-man tackles which helped stop the French offloads and in attack we were pretty clinical and took our chances. “The players have worked hard over the past few days and are improving which is what you want on tour and the challenge now is to get even better.” France had the opening try of the game, going over in the corner, taking advantage of an overlap on the left wing. Atkinson sent over a penalty soon after for 5-3, before France scored a second, intercepting on halfway to run home unchallenged. Trenholm bundled over off the back of a driving maul to get England back in the game and Atkinson’s conversion made it 10-10. A France penalty just before the break gave them a 13-10 lead at halftime before Trenholm powered over for a second try. Hillman-Cooper seared through midfield to cross for England’s third try which Orlando Bailey converted for 22-13. Joseph then intercepted on halfway to run home with Bailey adding the extras. France crossed twice late on but England held on for victory.