Alex Goode races clear for a try for the Saxons

England Saxons claimed a fifth Churchill Cup title in style by beating Canada 38-18 in New Jersey.

Nick Abendanon and Alex Goode scored early tries, both converted by Stephen Myler, as the Saxons established an early 17-0 lead.

Canada hit back through Matt Evans and Chauncey O'Toole.

But some impressive fluent rugby by the Saxons led to further tries by Jon Clarke and Luke Narraway which sealed the victory.

"It's a fantastic achievement," said Saxons coach Stuart Lancaster.

"Three weeks ago we met in a Heathrow hotel with disappointed players who had not made the senior tour and young players who came in straight from the Premiership and collectively to put all that together and form a team is great, I'm really proud.

"I'd like to think that the players have enjoyed it. They're working with different players and different coaches and learning different ways to play.

"That's what international rugby is all about, we want to make sure these players have enough room to grow and develop so when they make the step to the senior stage they're ready."

England Saxons: Goode (Saracens), Simpson-Daniel (Gloucester), Clarke (Northampton), Allen (Leicester), Abendanon (Bath); Myler (Northampton), Dickson (Northampton); N Wood (Gloucester), Titterrell (Leeds), Corbiserio (London Irish), Hudson (Newcastle), Skivington (Wasps, capt), T Wood (Worcester), Saull (Saracens), Narraway (Gloucester).
Replacements: Vickers (Newcastle), Bell (Bath), Kitchener (Worcester), Myall (Leeds), Young (Newcastle), Smith (Harlequins), Varndell (Wasps).

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