England U19's conceded a first innings deficit of 81 runs as South Africa bowled well to restrict them to 352 for nine on the third day at Fenner’s.
A sporting late declaration from Will Rhodes gave the Proteas a first innings lead, but the captain would have been delighted with the resistance shown by his lower order who helped the team recover from 182 for five.
Eight of England’s batsmen reached double figures, and despite five players getting past 40, nobody managed to get past the 59 from wicketkeeper Joe Clarke.
South African captain Sibonelo Makhanya continued his impressive match, taking 3-49 and along with Stefan Klopper, 3-61, kept the scoring rates down and frustrated the England batsmen.
The home team had started the day on 28 for two. Rhodes and Dominic Sibley steadied the ship before Rhodes eventually fell, becoming one of the many batsmen to fall after making a start.
Some late hitting from Josh Shaw and Luke Wood, who remained unbeaten on 44, helped push the score up to 352 before Rhodes declared at the loss of the ninth wicket.
There was time for six overs at the tourists before the close, but the batsmen saw them off without losing any wickets to head into the final day with a lead of 93.