THE area's two England youth internationals both tasted defeat at the weekend in their respective fixtures.

St Peter's pupil Thomas Woolsey was part of the England Under-16s team that slipped to a 19-10 defeat to Italy Under-17s, while Pocklington's Rob Webber saw his England Under-18s Schools' side toppled 35-26 against Ireland.

Flanker Woolsey, from West Gilling, has tasted victory against Wales and now defeat. Today saw him in action for his final game, taking on Wales for the second time.

But the defeat for 16-year-old hooker Webber, who is part of the Leeds Tykes Academy, means he finishes his first year at U18s level with two defeats and one win - with the victory over France followed by reverses against Wales and then Ireland.

However, the disappointment for Webber was quickly wiped away as the talented tyro was called into an England Development XV which will tour South Africa in the summer.

Webber, who was invited into the side by Brian Ashton, is sure to be the youngest member of the squad that will be made up of Under-19s and Under-20s players.

Updated: 12:03 Saturday, April 26, 2003