Scotland Rugby League’s progress in 2011 has manifested itself in increased participation at all levels, and on Wednesday the first ever inter-college match was played, between Cumbernauld College (West of Scotland) and Telford College (Edinburgh). The students overcame stormy conditions to put on a tight contest, with Telford overcoming an 8-4 deficit to win 24-12 at their home ground.

The success of Cumbernauld College’s rugby league programme indicates the importance of such institutions to the SRL’s strategic growth. The college has run a Rugby Performance programme for the past six years in partnership with Scotland Rugby League and Glasgow Hawks Rugby Union Club; has produced some of Scotland Rugby Leagues recent youth prospects, including Chad McGlame who signed for Hull FC earlier this year.

Telford College also runs a Rugby Performance programme – but one that has been exclusively rugby union until last year. In 2010 Telford started rugby league with a few taster sessions. Telford has also contributed to Scotland youth squads: Fraser Smeaton and Jonny Bain recently played in the Scotland Under-18 game against the England Community Lions held at Copeland Stadium.

The return fixture will take place in February.