Scotland prepared for their clash with Australia next Friday by beating Barrow Raiders, masquerading as the Liam Harrison Select XIII, 48-16 at Barrow tonight. The Bravehearts, who left six of their star names in the Craven Park stands, scored nine tries against their third tier opponents and it was not until the latter stages that Steve McCormack’s experimental side broke loose.
Scotland had looked like wracking-up a huge score midway through the first half following two tries by Batley’s Stirling-born Dave Scott either side of touch downs by man of the match Callum Phillips and debutant Frankie Mariano, only for Ryan Fieldhouse to score for the home side after an error by Warrington full-back Matty Russell. Halfback Ryan Brierley got a try on his Scotland debut – in between two tries for the Cumbrians by Chris Fleming – and kicked six goals, as the gap was reduced to just ten points at one stage.
Scotland pulled away with an Adam Walker solo effort before the hour and three late tries through centre Tyler Cassel on his debut, Widnes forward Sam Brooks, and a last minute break from halfway by Wigan winger Lewis Tierney.
Scotland: 5 Matt Russell, 2 Lewis Tierney, 17 Ben Hellewell, 24 Tyler Cassel, 18 Dave Scott, 9 Danny Addy, 7 Ryan Brierley, 13 Adam Walker, 19 Liam Hood, 16 Frankie Mariano, 22 Brett Phillips, 12 Dale Ferguson,15 Ben Kavanagh.
Subs used: 23 Callum Phillips, 14 Sheldon Powe-Hobbs, 11 Billy McConnachie, 20 Ryan Maneely, 21 Sam Brooks, 25 Kieran Moran.
