Coach Joe Elliott was pleased to see Barrow Island make progress to round two of the Challenge Cup, as they put Rhondda Outlaws to the sword by running in f15 tries in their 84-6 victory at Rating Lane.

Elliott said: "It was a good hit out for the lads, they stuck to the game plan and scored some good tries in heavy conditions.

"They all played their part but I thought Rhys Bartlett had a fine game for a lad who is only just turned 18 and young Max Moore slotted in well in his first game at stand-off, while new recruit Nathan Sneesby had a good game.

"Overall we were too fast and strong, you could see them blowing early on and they were very inexperienced but they are union players. but all credit to them they stuck in.

"It all looks good for the Conference season ahead when you see the quality today and which players never made the squad who were left out or where unavailable.

"Lads like Matt Parkinson, Adam Jackson, Tom Loxam, Carl McBain and Lee Haney will all be pushing for places in the weeks to come.

"While we defended our line well, it was a little disappointing to let in their try. When you are that far ahead, you can lose your concentration for a minute or two, but well done to them."

Elliott is hoping to face a top side in the second round, with the draw taking place tomorrow.

Island stalwart John Jefferson added: “It was a fantastic day. I spoke to their manager Steve Bartlett after the game and he was delighted with the day, despite the score.

"Adding this game was a benchmark for the Outlaws and they felt they were four years too early to play in the Challenge Cup.

“We had a great time in the clubhouse, the Outlaws kept bursting into Welsh songs, they swapped shirts with us and also presented the 17 players with a slate emblem with their crest on before hitting the nightlife in Barrow.”