Last updated 19:40, Thursday, 12 June 2008

ELLENBOROUGH player Kyle Lofthouse was one of the driving forces behind a crushing 64-0 victory for Barla GB U23s against Italy in Padova on Wednesday night.

And Kells centre Scott Lofthouse scored one of the best tries of the game, racing 60 metres to score early in the first half when GB were down to 12 players.

Egremont full back Rhys Davies was another influential figure, a solid performance being highlighted by a well-timed pass that sent Saddleworth centre Danny Adams over as half time approached.

Coach Gary Charlton said: “The boys went out and did what we asked of them.

“They completed their sets, played in Italy’s half and dominated the ruck positions, and tackled in numbers.

“We didn’t know what to expect. We knew that Italy had imported a few Australians and Kiwis, and for the first 10 minutes they looked okay. But once we started completing our sets and dominating the rucks, it was the end of the game.”

Barla U23s play France this evening in Padova and tomorrow two sides will compete in the Simone Franchini Nines.

Egremont’s Richard Farrer is also part of the Barla party.