Devon Under-20s beat England Colleges 17-15 on the second-team pitch at Brickfields, Plymouth to start their County Championship build-up with a win, writes Conrad Sutcliffe.

The College side went ahead with a first-minute try, but by half-time Devon had taken a 12-5 lead.

Devon were a year older and that showed in their physicality as the game wore on, especially up front.

Skipper Chris Courtier took advantage from a five-metre scrum and forced his way over to level the scores and Charlie Attis converted.

Dan Sanders got Devon’s second try three minutes before the break. Attis converted a Dan Lane try early in the second half fro the touchline in a swirling wind.

England crossed the line twice in the last 12 minutes, but were unable to convert either.

Conditions were not great, but Devon team manager Gareth Jones said he was pleased to get the game in.

He said: “We took a few positives from a game which was always going to be against it due to the weather and pitch conditions.”

He continued: “We were not helped by six yellow cards being used – four to England and two to Devon – leaving the crowd and coaches thinking new laws had been brought in overnight. Hopefully with one more warm-up game and a few training sessions, Devon can bond as a team to perform in the Championship this season.”