ESSEX star Reece Topley helped England finish on a high at the ICC Under-19 World Cup.

The Young Lions sealed fifth place thanks to a hard-fought 13-run win over the West Indies in Townsville, on Friday.

Topley played a key role with both bat and ball.

England batted first and made 241 for nine, thanks to opener Sam Wood smashing seven sixes in his 104.

However, after a collapse that saw six wickets go down for 24 runs, it was left to Topley and Tom Knight to ensure Adam Ball’s men batted 50 overs.

Their unbroken tenth-wicket partnership added 49 in 11.3 overs and Colchester and East Essex’s Topley - who finished unbeaten on 26 - then chipped in with three wickets as the Windies were dismissed for 228, despite 105 from John Campbell.

Colchester and Essex team-mate Ben Foakes also played in Friday’s game, although was only able to contribute seven runs.

England’s chances of winning the tournament ended last Sunday, when they lost to South Africa in Townsville.

They then went into a fifth-place play-off semi-final against Bangladesh, which took place last Wednesday.

Topley took five wickets for 32 runs and Foakes scored 47 to ensure a four-wicket victory and set up the match against the West Indies.