FORMER Winterbourne International Academy pupil Dave Attwood made his England Saxons debut in their victory over Ireland A on Sunday.

The Gloucester second row, 22, started the match and played 58 minutes as England recorded a 17-13 win at Bath’s Recreation Ground.

A first half try from David Strettle got the Saxons on the scoreboard with fly half Shane Geraghty adding his own effort just before half-time and contributing seven points with the boot to avenge a 49-22 Churchill Cup final defeat last June.

Saxons coach, Stuart Lancaster said: "The opportunities we had, particularly in the first half, we took and our second half defence was outstanding. We worked hard for each other and the shirt.

"Saxons is about building experience for these players at international level.

"Ireland took the game seriously and so did we and it was nice to turn the tables from our previous performance."

Gloucester props Nick Wood and Paul Doran-Jones, who was sent to the sin bin in the second half, and flanker Luke Narraway also played in the match.

England Saxons face Italy A in Treviso next Sunday, February 7, 2.30pm.