ENGLAND 18-Group Clubs limbered up for their friendly rugby international against the French Academy in Bondoufle later this month with a 25-12 win over a strong Worcester Academy XV at Sixways.

England, who play France on February 28, recovered well after Worcester went 12-10 up with two tries shortly after half-time and secured victory with a try from Kearnan Myall (Leeds Tykes and Yorkshire) from a tapped penalty move.

Winger Michael Breen (Winnington Park and Cheshire) gave England an early lead with a penalty which they built on with a try from Chris Leck (Preston Grasshoppers and Lancashire) which Breen also improved.

Worcester then staged their fightback but a second penalty from Breen restored battling England's lead.

Centre James Endersby (Leeds Tykes and Yorkshire) scored the try that effectively ended Worcester's challenge when he followed up a chip through from his club-mate, fly-half Charles I'anson and Breen added the extras.

"I was pleased with the way we performed bearing in mind that it was the first time the boys had played together," said England coach Alan Hughes.

"Our defence looked strong when Worcester put us under pressure during the last five minutes and the weekend was very beneficial.

"Worcester put out a strong side which tested us, all 26 players in the squad got a game and we played on the main pitch at Sixways which was a great thrill for the lads."