A PENALTY from Worcester Warriors' George Crook could not prevent the Midlands going down 21-8 to London & South East in the Under 18 Divisional Festival.
The Bromsgrove School fly-half put the Midlands' first points on the board in the ninth minute at Castlecroft, Wolverhampton.
Jeff Gregson, of Barkers Butts, added a try shortly after but it was not enough to secure a welcome victory against their southern opponents.
The England selectors will now choose a provisional training squad to prepare for the AER Under 18 European Championships and the Home Unions Festival later in the season.
The other North Midlands players included flanker Matt Cox (Warriors), prop Joel Diggins (Warriors and Bromsgrove School), centre Tom Hupfield (Bromsgrove School), full-back Tim Streather (Warriors), winger Charlie Fellows (Warriors and King's School, Worcester and hooker George Thomas (Warriors and Bromsgrove School).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article