Perry stars for Saxons

Shaun Perry inspired England Saxons to a 34-5 victory against Italy 'A' in Exeter.

England Saxons 34-5 Italy 'A'

England Saxons ran in five tries in a 34-5 victory against Italy 'A' at Exeter's Sandy Park.

Full-back Mike Brown scored in either half, with wingers Nick Abendanon and David Strettle, second-rower Dean Schofield and replacement hooker Dylan Hartley all getting in on the act.

Youngsters Strettle and Abendanon particularly impressed, with a Man-of-the-Match performance from scrum-half Shaun Perry no doubt also catching the eye of the watching Rob Andrew.
 
But it was largely a night to forget for Shane Geraghty, the fly-half failing to find his aim with the boot before a poorly-attempted clearance set up Italy's only try.

England should have taken the lead in the opening five minutes, but an overlap by Abendanon came to nought when he was judged, incorrectly, to have placed a boot in touch.

Italy quickly seized control of proceedings and should have been rewarded in the 12th minute when Luciano Orquera's drop goal attempt sailed wide.

Another concerted attack three minutes later ended with Matteo Pratichetti touching down, but Alessio Galante's pass to the winger proved forward.

Geraghty missed his second penalty after 22 minutes but succeeded at the third time of asking with a 35-metre effort four minutes later.

Italy having been breached, the floogates then opened with a sweeping try which was initiated by Perry and made by Strettle.

Deep in England territory, a cheeky inside flick from Perry set up Strettle, the winger beating no less than seven players on his way deep into the Italian 22.

He then released the ball to Olly Barkley, with James Haskell, Jordan Crane and Jamie Noon all involved before Abendanon touched down.

Geraghty failed to convert but the Saxons had sprung into life, and with Italian captain David Dal Maso sin-binned after 36 minutes, England looked to exploit.

The second try came on the stroke of half-time, the ball being worked well across the back line before Brown chose to ignore the overlapping Strettle and grab the glory himself.

England's lead was extended two minutes after the interval when Schofield crossed after a quick 'tap and go' from Perry - Geraghty on this occasion finding his aim.

With Dal Maso back, his side began to regain territory and were rewarded on 56 minutes when replacement Fabio Staibano charged down Geraghty's attempted clearance.

However the visitors started to tire during the final quarter, and with Perry having been replaced by Richard Wigglesworth, Strettle almost scored in the corner.

But there was no doubt about Brown's second score in the 71st minute, with Hartley capping his debut performance at this level with a try five minutes later.