Amateur rugby league players Stu Tippett, Matthew Parkinson and Tom Sibley tasted success with the Great Britain Bulldogs during the weekend, as they won the Plate in the Dubai Sevens International Vets competition.

Walney Central’s Tippett, Barrow Island’s Parkinson (who was celebrating his birthday last Saturday), and Millom’s Sibley all had to raise £2,000 in order to tour with the Bulldogs and their efforts have brought reward.

After finishing second in a pool that included Bristol Wanderers, the Nondescripts and Airbus, the veterans’ side entered the Plate competition and defeated Richmond Swansea Heavies and Gulf Leg-ends before an 8-5 win over the Nondescripts, after extra time, gave them the trophy.