WORCESTER. England. Aug 7: England went one-up in the three-match under-19 series against South Africa after breaking down the dogged resistance of northern Transvaal's Pierre Joubert here on Sunday, reports AFP.

The 17-year-oid allrounder made a defiant 90 in four hours and then removed openers Marcus Trescthick and Anthony McGrath as England reached their target of 85 to win by seven wickets.

In an all-action finish, the South Africans consistently pitched short and the home batsmen took up the challenge with 62 runs in boundaries to romp home with 25.1 overs to spare.

An earlier finish had seemed likely when South Africa resumed 66 behind, and lost two wickets in four balls from Surrey's Alex Tudor while adding only seven to the overnight 133 for four.

When Bruce Stigant was bowled by Yorkshireman Alex Morris, the tourists were still 14 short of avoiding an Innings defeat.