England U21 development sides defeated
November 13, 2002

England's prospective under-21 international players started the build-up to the Six Nations campaign with two games against France's regional sides.

The England South development side were beaten 22-18 by France East and England North went down 31-20 against France West.

Both sides staged stirring second half comebacks at the Centre National de Rugby in Marcoussis, near Paris, to impress England under-21 manager Peter Drewett.

England South trailed 17-6 despite Gloucester full-back Andy Frost having kicked two penalties. They closed the gap after the break when Frost converted his own try. Tom Lambert (Bristol Shoguns) also scored after coming on as a second-half replacement.

England North were 21-3 down before launching their comeback, Sharks full-back Stuart Brown touching down and kicking a conversion to add to his first-half penalty. Rotherham wing David Strettle and replacement hooker Richard Oxley (Sharks) also scored tries.

"It was a very positive exercise, we learned a lot from the two games and the coaches did a good job with all the lads," said Drewett.

"It was important that the new coaches Jon Callard and Nigel Redman were able to have a good look at the players they will be working with."

The development process steps up a gear next month when an England under-21 A team take on Wales A at Newbury on December 18.

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