By Murray Walker

Most things went right for England 18 Group Schools in the European Championships - except in the final against France. Injury-ravaged England lost the final 32-0 after convincing wins over Scotland and Romania had taken them to the climax in Italy.

“Despite the final result, overall, the season has been a great success and we have seen a real improvement and development in the players,” said coach John Williams.

England began their campaign in Italy with a 42-6 win over Romania. Tries came from Oliver Dodge, son of former England and Leicester centre Paul, (2, Wyggeston & QE I College and Leicestershire), Ashley Maggs (Colston and Gloucs), captain Glen Townson (Kirkham and Lancashire), Kiba Richards (Brighton College and Sussex) and Sam Robinson (Bromsgrove School and N.Midlands). Julian Allfrey (RGS High Wycombe and Bucks) kicked a penalty and a conversion. And then it was a clash against the Auld Enemy, which resulted in a 22-0 win.

“We had already played them at Penrith and won 29-7, but this was a stronger side,” said Williams. “We were 15-0 up at half-time but this was a much harder game.”

Dodge, Adam Barnard (Northampton School and N.Midlands) and Jack Forster (Bolton School and Lancashire) got the tries, wth Allfrey adding a penalty and two conversions. But in the final itself, England, with several key players out injured, were convincingly outgunned 32-0.