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England win FIRA-AER European Grand Prix Series event in Moscow

Phil Burgess of England makes a break during the Pool A match between South Africa and England during the Wellington Sevens. Feb 7 2014.
Image: Phil Burgess: Hat-trick for England star in Moscow Sevens victory

England beat Portugal 47-12 to win the Moscow Sevens and take the lead in the FIRA-AER European Grand Prix Series.

Simon Amor's side cruised through the tournament and put up their best performance in the 28-7 win over round one winners France in the quarter-finals.

They then set up their final clash with Portuguese by beating Georgia 33-5 in the semi-finals.

Tries were easy to come by in the final with Phil Burgess contributing a hat-trick and Mike Ellery, Charlie Hayter, Tom Mitchell and James Rodwell also scoring.

That allowed England to cap a successful weekend with some silverware as they continue their preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July.

Amor said: "In parts it showed that this squad hasn't played together for some weeks.

"It took a while to get into our stride but some of our play was very positive. We got a lot of things right in the final in terms of our attack but there is still a lot to work on.

"I was particularly pleased with Mike Ellery and John Brake, who due to injury haven't played much rugby for a long time, and also with the contributions of Mark Bright and Charlie Hayter.

"The competition has allowed us to give players game time, try different combinations ahead of the Commonwealth Games and provided the guys with a chance to fight for those places."