England Counties U20 lost 32-29 to Russia U20 yesterday to finish the series at 1-1.

England won the first Test on Sunday 19-14, but in another close game they lost out in the second by just three points in Moscow.

Russia led 19-17 heading into the break and earned a penalty shortly after to extend that advantage, England came back at them hard though, scoring a try through Kemp Price to take a 24-22 lead but with fifteen minutes remaining, Russia scored a converted try to put themselves back in front at 29-24.

England refused to give up though, despite the time left on the clock, with Max Berry finishing off a wonderful move that began deep inside the England Counties U20 half.

That score tied the game at 29-29, a result that would have given England the series, however Russia managed to force a penalty as the game ticked towards 80 minutes to gain that crucial three point lead.

England had a chance for the draw, but opted to take the scrum and go for the win rather than kick the three for the draw, but lost possession at the scrum for Russia to claim the win and tie the series.

Full Time: England Counties U20 29-32 Russia U20

England Counties U20 XV

15 Charlie Venables

14 James Neal

13 Alex Goble

12 Connor Wilkinson

11 Ellis Rudder

10 Lewis Dennett

9 Ben Pointon

1 Hayden King

2 Karl Garside

3 Alex Post

4 Dale Lemon

5 James Apperley

6 Jack Thomas

7 Dan Broady

8 Adam Brankley

Replacements:

16 Will Scholey

17 Diana Montout Alexis

18 Max Berry

19 Kemp Price

20 Jack Harrison

21 Tim Bitirim