With the sun shining on Saturday, Mike Brown, Joe Gray and Rory Clegg ran out at Franklin's Gardens to kick start England Saxons' campaign to retain the Churchill Cup. It was the best possible start for the men in white, as they ran in 13 tries and finished the afternoon with a record-breaking 87-8 win.

Two of the tries came from Quins full-back Mike Brown, who made a strong case to be Martin Johnson's back-up to Ben Foden. He showed pace and power for his two tries and a neat little grubber sent Benjamin over for his second of the afternoon.

At only 21 and 22 years old respectively, Rory Clegg and Joe Gray made their England Saxons debuts. Clegg took hold of the reins at fly-half, dictating the pace and direction of the game. Kicking a total of 22 points, he added the extras to the impressive number of tries.

Joe Gray impressed in the front row, where he joined forces with Matt Mullin and Matt Stevens. It was the first time he had returned to his former home ground after joining Quins last summer.

England Saxons' next game is next Sunday 12^th June, against Tonga at Kingsholm (2.30pm)