Mowden Park 1st XV captain Cameron Mitchell continued to build his successful international career last weekend as he lined up with England Counties to help defeat the French Federale XV 24-15 in Perigeux.

Coming off the bench, the centre helped the English side avenge their crushing defeat, having lost by just one point in Nevers 12 months ago, and giving England only their second win across the Channel on French soil.

Fylde fly-half Chris Johnson kicked eight from eight, giving England enough points to grind out the win. Despite Worthing Raiders’ Matt Miles almost sneaking through for a score, the game remained try-less.

As a result of their immense success, the England Counties team ended their international campaign without conceding a single try in either fixture.

The win at the Stade Francais Rongieras sets up the Counties side for their tour to Romania this summer.

A 21-15 defeat for England Women against France at Twickenham Stadium handed the reigning world champions a fourth place finish in this season’s Six Nations.

Fielding a young, developing side for this season’s campaign, England Women’s went into the weekend’s game against France with the odds stacks against them. After suffering an opening defeat to Wales and a mid-tournament loss to Ireland England looked to regain the winning form which saw them convincingly beat Italy and Scotland Women’s.

A game which featured five Mowden Park Sharks players saw England trailing most of the match after an early penalty and converted try gave France a 10-0 lead. After an exchange of penalties the game went into half time with the home side leading 13-3.

After the restart, France continued to dominate, looking the stronger of the two sides. However England managed to string some good phases of play together to make some breaks and in the end flanker Hannah Gallagher got on the end of a good pass from prop Laura Keates to score a much needed try. Reed couldn’t make the conversion and England trailed 16-8 with 20 minutes left.

As England looked to get closer to France, it exposed gaps and the home side dot down in the corner to make it 21-8. England responded well and the forwards turned the screw in the French 22. The pressure told and Harriet Millar-Mills touched down to make it 21-15 successful conversion with ten to play.

England continued to push but the French defense held firm and saw the game out.

Well done to all of the Mowden Players who represented England in the recent international fixtures:

Joe Craggs – England U18s
Katy Mclean MBE – England Women’s
Tamara Taylor- England Women’s
Ruth Laybourn- England Women’s
Heather Kerr- England Women’s
Abbie Scott- England Women’s
Fiona Davidson- England Women’s

Cameron Mitchell – England Counties