South Hams rugby starlet Stuart Townsend celebrated winning the Justin Bridou Trophy with the England U18s last Saturday as they were crowned champions of Europe for the second year in a row.

Kingsbirdge youngster Stuart, who now attends Ivybridge Community College at the request of Exeter Chiefs, started the match at scrum-half after playing a role in all of England's games in the FIRA/AER European Championship.

With some scintillating displays earlier on, Townsend kept England ticking over nicely as they roared into a 21-3 lead early in the second half courtesy of tries from forwards Paul Hill and Matt Bolwell and back Nick Tompkins.

The French proved that their traditional mercurial qualities are bred into them young as they hit back with three tries while England managed just another penalty to leave the game on a knife-edge at 24-22 to England.

Another penalty from the men in white, however, extended their lead to five while they saw the game out.