Almost at every turn yesterday, players from the United States were holding their noses during the Plate Final against England.

It had nothing to do with the way they were playing, even though England scorched their way to a 35-10 victory over the US in a game, which saw them gallop off to a quick lead they never relinquished.

The Americans, meanwhile, were holding their noses and other body parts because they were on the wrong end of several bone-crunching hits. Number eight Mark Miller broke his nose when he collided with one of his team-mates, while Brian Visard also had his nose smashed up on another play.

England inflicted the most pain in the way of a quick succession of tries in the first half by Rob Lozowski, Mike Harrison, Huw Davis, Austin Sheppard and David Cooke.

They led the second half with a second try from Davis and ended it with another one from Cooke.

Sandwiched in between were tries by Bruce Monroe and Tim Moser of the US.

The US squad were playing with a couple of well-known Bermuda players -- Alvin Harvey and Gavin Corcoran -- since many of their players had to leave the Island on Saturday.

"But our big problem,'' said wing Mike Smith, "was not being able to cash in on our opportunities.'' Australia 40, Bermuda 20 Gareth Davies put Bermuda on the scoreboard two minutes into the game, and was forced out of the match soon after when he pulled a hamstring in his left leg.

Things seemed to go downhill from there for the locals as Australia defeated them 40-20, exploding for five tries in the second half alone.

Bermuda finished the tournament without a victory while Australia managed to win their first game.

It was a game that was marked by Roy Dunn's last on the Island and for the first time, Bermuda's French contingent made a contribution with a pair of tries from Maurice Dupey and a single by Robert Cross.

Scoring tries for Australia were Dirk Hanson, Chris Roche, Sean Mooney (two), Mat Williams, Dave Purl, Ray Lambie and Andy McIntyre.

NOSE JOB -- Mike Smith of the US tries to ease the pain.