ENGLAND Women had to settle for second best for the second year on the bounce at the FIRA European Sevens in France.

Gary Street's squad, which included Worcester wing Katherine Merchant, were defeated 19-5 in the final by the host nation. A year ago, England were also defeated 10-7 in the final against Wales.

The 19-5 defeat was, however, an unflattering scoreline for the England outfit who had a try denied by the referee and were left with just six players for much of the second-half after an injury.

During that period, France grabbed a breakaway try to seal the win. England's five points came courtesy of Jane Leonard.

England booked their place in the final with an impressive run in the pool stages. A brace of tries for Katy McLean helped England take a 45-0 win over Russia before beating Sweden 19-0.

England then inflicted a 45-0 defeat on Holland with skipper Rachel Burford claiming four tries. They then lost narrowly to France 19-12.

But England did enough to book their spot in the semis. Tries from Georgina Roberts and Amber Penrith secured the final spot with a 12-10 victory over Spain.