Last minute score see England crowned champs

A last minute try for Worcester wing Lydia Thompson, who made her England debut in the tournament opener, secured the victory in the dying minutes of the game.

France took the lead early in the game with a penalty from full-back Jessy Tremouliere when England were penalised for holding on on the floor.

The two sides were evenly matched with little to separate them in the opening half hour, with France putting in a fine display of defence to keep Kat Merchant and Thompson out early on.

In the end Frances line did break when Bristol flanker Marlie Packer made some space before offloading to Thompson, who had both the power and the pace to dive over the try-line. Emily Scarratt added the conversion to hand England a 7-3 lead at the break.

After the restart though, France turned the tables and a 42nd minute try for substitute Elordie Portaries, after a good line-out, catch and drive, saw them take a 7-10 lead.

Merchant then put England back in control with a 49th minute touchdown, converted by Scarratt, but the lead did not last long as French fly-half Aurelie Bailon kept the scoreboard ticking over with two penalties and two excellent drop goals as the match swung in favour of the French.

Scarratt clawed a penalty back for England but at 25-17 down, and only five minutes left of full time, France looked like they had done enough to take the title.

However, Bristol centre and substitute Tuson, who had been on the field for just seven minutes, ignited a spark and a good drive from a line-out saw the ball recycled out to Merchant and then to the waiting Tuson, who on just her third cap, powered over the try-line to score.

Scarratt, however, couldnt make the conversion leaving England 22-25 adrift but as the clocked counted down in injury time some superb footwork and evasive running saw winger Thompson surge her way 60 metres up-field to score. France did everything they could to tackle Thompson to the ground but with no success and in the end it cost them the victory. With Scarratt this time making the conversion England took a very memorable 29-25 victory.

England Head Coach for this tour Graham Smith, who blooded seven new caps over seven days, said: This has been a tour of opportunity for all the players involved and I can safely say every single player involved has taken this opportunity with both hands.

While England will be delighted with another title this year, and with the chance to add depth to their squad, it has in truth been a subdued European Cup tournament with just four sides entering with the likes of Wales, Ireland and Scotland choosing to focus on Sevens this summer.

Spain, featuring a huge number of new faces struggled throughout the tournament shipping more than 50 points in all three of their games.

Italy beat Spain 54-3 in their final game.