The England Students fell just short in Terrasson to a strong French Universities outfit in a 42-31 defeat.

Tries from Will Rampley, Rhys Price, Josiah Edwards-Giroud just wasn’t enough to get over the line against the hosts.

Morgan Meredith took a kick at the posts early on in the game as England looked to build a score.

But it was the French who had the first try on the board with a strike move from a scrum and the winger Sacha Courthaliac.

The French got their second try five minutes later with pure pace and precision to get on the edge of the England defence and dive in the corner for Emilien Treziers.

England showed the strength with a dominant rolling maul and short range game and eventually Price crashed over under the sticks.

The hosts responded slotting a long range penalty effort to move ahead by to five.

France extended their lead courtesy of a loose bouncing ball and a finish from centre Killian Bakour.

However, England finished the half strong with a try right on the stroke of half time as Will Rampley crashed over from close range.

Half Time Score: France Universities 22-17 England Students

France started the first half with the first yellow of the game to their open side flanker Antigone Bothier.

Despite being a player down France thought they had a try not long after after a full pitch break up field but it was just knocked on over the line.

Eventually though, they had their try after a swift attack from the goal line drop out with Killian Bakour getting his brace.

England responded once again with the power game as replacement hooker Seb Smith crashed over from a tap and go.

However England began to struggle as Elliot Gourlay was shown yellow for deliberately playing the ball and France took the three points.

The French second row Lilian Rinardo was sent to the bin but England missed the opportunity for three points.

France capitalised on the mistake as the were awarded penalty try shortly after for a tackle off the ball and Meredith was shown yellow.

But England were staying in the fight and three time England student Edwards-Giroud pounced on a loose ball and finished under the sticks.

Despite their best efforts England fell short and couldn’t take the win as France slotted one more penalty on the full time whistle to seal the game.

It was an excellent display of the university game from both sides and another thriller in this annual tradition.