Ilford Wanderers youngsters Alex Dean and Morgan Brown were unable to help Essex under-20s to success against Sussex in the Jason Leonard National Championship.

Cente Dean and back row forward Brown were both named in the starting XV for the clash with Sussex.

The Wanderers duo have played together since the age of 12, turning out for school teams and various Essex youth sides, as well was coming through the ranks at Ilford.

Despite their young age, both Dean and Brown are currently regulars in the Wanderers’ first team squad.

However, on duty for the county side, the Ilford pair suffered a 30-27 defeat at home to Sussex in a thrilling encounter.

Despite the defeat, Essex were able to collect two bonus points for their efforts against Sussex in the Division Two Pool Three encounter.

Essex under-20s are next in action in the competition when they visit Middlesex on March 18.