LIAM Harrison was able to savour the moment as he brought a 10-year professional playing career to an end with his testimonial match against Scotland on Friday evening.

The match gave the long-serving Barrow Raiders second row a final chance to say goodbye to the Craven Park faithful and although Harrison’s Cumbria side were beaten 48-16, there was still much to celebrate come full time.

The visiting Scottish side played a part in making it a special occasion too, forming a guard of honour for Harrison before kick-off and concluding with Scotland Rugby League chairman Keith Hogg presenting the 32-year-old with a special-label bottle of Scotch whisky on the pitch.

But although this night was very much about him, Harrison’s professional mindset soon kicked in once the game got under way and the poignancy of the night was very much at the back of his mind.

“It didn’t really cross my mind, it was just another game of rugby. It was nice and I just enjoyed it,” said Harrison, who admitted to a sense of relief after the final hooter.

“I’m glad it’s over because it has been a lot of hard work. A lot of people have done a lot to help me and on the day it was just one thing after another, so it was a relief in a way.

“Like I said, the realisation that was my final farewell will come in a couple of weeks. The reception and everything was second-to-none, so it was overwhelming to say the least.”

Two tries from David Scott, and one apeice for Callum Phillips, Frankie Mariano, Adam Walker Kieron Moran, Sam Brooks, Lewis Tierney and Ryan Brierley, who also kicked six conversions, ensured Scotland warmed up for their maiden Four Nations campaign in the perfect manner.

But while the visitors had threatened to run away with the match after establishing a 20-point lead after 22 minutes, Cumbria got back into it thanks to Ryan Fieldhouse punishing an error from Matty Russell and two tries out wide from Chris Fleming, plus Chris Hankinson converting twice on what was also his last appearance at Barrow before joining Swinton Lions.

“I don’t think we made fools of ourselves,” said Harrison.

“I was a bit worried after 10 minutes; they were very quick around the ruck and I think that three or four weeks all of our players have had on holiday and probably not training much at all showed a bit with the rustiness.

“But actually, it was a good game of rugby. It was good to watch, and when we attacked and showed a bit of flair, the crowd got behind us, so I’m happy with it.”

Although initially planned to be a Cumbria Select XIII, Harrison’s side had very much a Barrow Raiders flavour to it.

Indeed, amateur duo Liam Finch of Walney – himself a former Raider – and Millom’s Ethan Kelly, were the only ones not playing for the club to feature.

But that was down to a decision taken by Harrison and he was nonetheless delighted to see out his career with a group of team-mates who have also become firm friends.

“It was brilliant,” said Harrison.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch of lads to play with. I know there was talk of the Super League lads and it being a Cumbria Select, but I decided to pull the pin on that.

“I know the Super League lads have other responsibilities, but everyone who came wanted to play. I had people asking me to play and you can’t ask for any more than that, and I can’t thank the lads enough.”

And so, the curtain comes down on the career of someone who will surely be regarded as one of the Barrow’s all-time greats. Harrison will still be around though, but purely in a spectating rather than playing capacity.

“I’ll miss the place, but I’ll be here next year watching,” said Harrison.

“I’ll have free evenings and be able to do what I want at weekends, but I don’t know – in a couple of months it might not sit well with me, but I’m certainly looking forward to it for the time being!

“I’ve not had time to think about what I’ll be doing away from rugby, but I’m sure my partner will have some ideas!”