WORCESTER Warriors duo Harry Owens and Michael Penn and Bromsgrove School's Joel Diggins were all in action for England as they wrapped up third place in the AER European Under 18 Championships with a crushing 52-18 victory over Italy.

Owens scored one of eight tries as England showed their character in bouncing back from a narrow defeat by Ireland in their semi-final.

"We were delighted with the way the players reflected on their performance against Ireland and with the way they responded," said Graham Whitmore, England's lead coach.

"They adopted a very positive and mature approach to the Ireland game and they came into this game with the determination to show just what they were capable of and with the ambition to play a high tempo game.

"They went out and entertained a very large crowd and we are very proud of the way they ended the competition.

"Our aim was to stretch the Italian defence because we felt that they defended quite narrowly and we wanted to play with width and power through the forwards.

"We played some outstanding attacking rugby and showed a willingness to move the ball from any area of the field.

"Things didn't always go our way in the first-half, but we cut down our penalty count in the second-half and the Italians struggled to keep up with us physically.

"Obviously we are disappointed that we couldn't win the competition for a third consecutive season but this squad has developed beyond recognition in the 10 weeks we have been together."

Meanwhile, Worcester's Laura Keates captained England Women's Under 19s to a 43-0 thumping of Canada.

Also in the starting line-up were Worcester team-mates Jenny Mills, Sarah Guest and Helen Price.