SAINTS half back Jonny Lomax has just enjoyed a tremendous three-match test series as England’s last line of defence.

Lomax slotted back into the full back berth for his country and made an outstanding contribution on both sides of the ball in the first two test victories in Hull and at Anfield.

England could not complete the whitewash, in what was a disappointing third test nilling at Elland Road.

Lomax was in an almost apologetic, reflective mood straight after the final hooter, which brought down the curtain on a long season.

But it is a year that Lomax can look back on with a huge degree of personal pride.

But 10 minutes after the final hooter on Sunday he was still dissecting what had gone wrong at Elland Road.

Lomax said: “The defeat hurts – after the series that we have had it ends on a sour note.

“They came to play and they executed better than we did, particularly early on when we got over the line a few times, but for whatever reason it was not given.

“We created some chances but were not clinical enough in some departments as they were.

“Opportunities are few and far between in big games and we did not take ours.

“Then you start to force the ball in the second half and give up field position and it becomes a bit of a panic.

“They were fantastic at times we were a bit off

“They were more desperate at times, we made breaks and they got back to us.

“When they made a break they had more bodies in the frame.”

In the moments after the game Lomax was not looking at the positives of the whole series - and that outlook may have changed in the days that have subsequently passed.

“It definitely leaves a bitter taste

“We wanted to do ourselves proud and the people who have come to watch us today.

“In some regards we have let them down,” he said.

But looking at a 2-1 series win over a strong Kiwi side that have just beaten Australia Lomax was more upbeat.

Lomax said: “We have accomplished what we wanted to do, win a series - that is what it is all about.

“We managed to win a test series and that is something to be proud of looking back.

“We have seen progress in this team. In the World Cup final we lost by one try, and now we have won a series.

“This final test defeat will give us something to work on and I am sure there will be an emphasis on this rather than the other two (wins).

“Sometimes you are as good as your last game but we let ourselves down.

“We have to look at that to improve and learn from it. That will stand us in good stead.

“There have been highlights and Anfield was great and to win it in the fashion that we did, with Tommy scoring as he did was great to be a part of.

“That series was great with the lads and we can be proud of that – and that may be in the long term that I realise how proud I am to be a part of this England team.”