Skolars battle bravely

London Skolars made an encouraging start to professional life with a battling display in a 22-10 defeat by Dewsbury in the Arriva Trains Cup today.

The Skolars were edged out by just three tries to two in difficult conditions at the New River Stadium, producing a performance that offered hope for the National League Two campaign ahead.

The capital side actually took the lead after 28 minutes when Kirk Wetherspoon touched down near the corner.

Dewsbury hit back quickly with three tries either side of half-time from the man-of-the-match, Scott Rhodes, Mike Wainwright and Jamie Benn.

Benn kicked five goals to give the Rams a 16-point lead, which was reduced by Richard Pollard's late try.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand coach, Gary Freeman, is expected to pay the price for the ending of his side's unbeaten run against Great Britain. Freeman has been told to re-apply for his job after the Kiwis lost to the Lions for the first time in nine years at Wigan in November.