AMONG the spectators who turned up to watch Cumbria’s under-19s take on Scotland at Craven Park on Sunday morning was Ollie Wilkes, with the Barrow Raiders skipper having a foot in both camps.

Although born in Ulverston, the prop represented Scotland internationally and was delighted to see the Bravehearts emerge 34-32 victors when the full-time whistle sounded.

There are several other connections between this area and Scottish rugby league too; Wilkes’ team-mate Shane Toal has played for them at youth level, ex-Raiders head coach Steve McCormack is in charge of the senior side, and the Scots and Cumbria are becoming regular opponents.

Last year’s meeting at Maryport ended in a 22-22 draw, but Sunday’s see-saw contest ended with Scotland coming out on top having led 12-0 after 16 minutes and then trailed 28-12 at half time.

“They have a resolve only Scottish teams have, and they just dig deep and find a way to do things,” said Scotland coach Anthony Atherton. “It’s not always orthodox and you just have to look at the first-team’s draw against New Zealand (in last year’s Four Nations).

“They didn’t do everything or thodox, but they showed the grit they have and that’s what they do as a nation – and it’s great to be a part of that. The plan was to have a simple structure and play that way regardless of where we got the ball.

“We put a few different things in and started to get some field position, and I can’t praise the half-backs enough for the way they bought into that and did things.”

Two tries apiece from full-back Callum Kennedy and hooker Patrick Noutch, plus single scores from Jamie McCabe and Finlay Ramsay, and three goals from stand-off Matt Hogg accounted for Scotland’s tally.

It was the Barrow contingent who came to the fore for Cumbria.

Barrow Island pair Jake Stockdale and Jake Carter – who kicked four conversions – scored two tries apiece, while Dalton’s Tyler Batty and Walney Central wing Adam Ford each scored one.

It was a disappointing way for the hosts to prepare for the annual tri-series against Yorkshire and Lancashire, but Atherton could not have been happier with a display from a side including five players scouted by Scotland RL chairman Keith Hogg who had never even experienced the 13-man code before this game.

“Keith coaches rugby union at a club in Scotland and he has been heavily involved in union before coming to rugby league, and he’s got a really good network,” said Atherton.

“He finds you people and he’ll pick up the phone and say ‘I’ve found this person who is a good player’. Cairn Ramsay, who played number 10 and came off the bench hadn’t played before, but he’s a big, mobile unit.

“When he carried the ball, he did good things for us and enabled the half-backs to play off the back of his go-forward, which was good to see.”

Scotland now face England in Leigh next month full of confidence, but Atherton has eyes on the long-term future of the sport north of the border as well.

He hopes more of the team can follow stand-off Niall Sydney, who is involved with Newcastle Thunder, into the professional game and help grow the struggling domestic club scene in Scotland.

“There is tons of potential, it just needs to be realised and it’s difficult in Scotland as the next step is not as easy as it is for us,” said Atherton.

“In England, if you’re good and you’re seen then you get a chance at a pro club.

“In Scotland, it’s not as clear-cut so they have to make some big sacrifices.

“Niall has committed and taken a punt, so it’s how we get others to do that or, more so for me, how we can use this as a catalyst to build a domestic game in Scotland.”