Great Britain's flying start against RAF

April 30 2008.

BARLA Great Britain, the holders for the last two seasons of the Skanska Cup, got off to a flying start in the defence of their trophy with a 52-0 victory at Uxbridge this afternoon against the RAF.

Cockermouth centre John Patrick, one of several debutants in the side, raced over for a hat trick, while another new boy - Skirlaugh's Lee Waterman - scored a try and two goals.

Others making a first appearance included West Bowling stand off Steve Illingworth, who kicked four goals, and Millom prop Craig Wilson, whose barnstorming try midway through the first half helped establish a 16-point lead and effectively ended the RAF's challenge.

Shaw Cross winger Danny Smith bagged a brace, while Leigh East second row Simon Stephens, Sharlston centre Lee Maskill and Castleford Panthers second row Shaun Goodway also crossed the whitewash.

Siddal half back Lee Gudor and Leon Brennan, the Leigh East winger, were others making their debuts in a game in which BARLA led 26-0 at the break and Manager Carl Sanderson said: "All acquitted themselves well and passed with flying colours. We're proud of each and every one of them. The players have taken a day off work to travel down, and they've all been a credit to BARLA."

Scrum half Gary Dunn impressed for the RAF, despite playing behind a beaten pack.