Three Cumbria-based players were in the Scotland side beaten 36-6 by Ireland at Gateshead’s International Stadium yesterday.
The Barrow pair of centre Brett Carter and second row forward Charlie Emslie were joined in the starting line-up by Workington Town winger Jonny Hutton.
It was the first time that international rugby league had been played in the north east since the 2022 World Cup but was watched by a disappointing crowd of 463.
Scotland conceded the opening try but then hit back to make it 6-6 with a try from Hunslet loose-forward Matty Fletcher, converted by Sheffield’s Isaac Farrell. However by half-time the Irish had moved away to lead 20-6.
They were able to score 16 unanswered points in the second-half to run out easy winners.
Stand-off Oscar Thomas of Keighley, but previously of both Whitehaven and Workington Town, was named man of the match for Scotland.
