Thornhill Trojans full back Johnny Campbell grabbed four tries as BARLA eased to a 42-16 victory in the First Test of a two-match series which will be followed on Saturday and Sunday by a Nines tournament.

Coaches Kevin Thompson and Kevin Armitstead, however, were far from satisfied by a performance in which the tourists lost their way after having led 24-0 after only 13 minutes.

A cricket score looked certain after Campbell had notched his first two tries inside the first five minutes, with Saddleworth stand off Adam Kirwan helping create further touchdowns for Wigan St Cuthbert’s hooker Gary Phillips and Leigh East loose forward Gary Greenhough.

But, other than robust displays by Drighlington prop Andy Brearley, East Hull prop Luke Brindley and Bank Quay Bulls second row Craig Millington, BARLA had little about which to enthuse thereafter.

Italy, inspired by scrum half Peter Varsdnea and second row Andre Zaccia, hit back before the break with a try for Augustine Bemirez.

And although the visitors eased clear again when Brindley and Campbell (twice) nipped over - Leigh Miners scrum half Scott O’Brien kicking the conversions to add to Eastmoor winger Michael Brown’s four first half successes - Italy finished the stronger with late touchdowns for David Cossini and Gian Luca Panuro, one of which Pippo Veronese improved.

ITALY
Baitieri, Boltomaro, Bressini, Carbonaro, Cossini, Favaro, Francini, Khmet, Michielien, Pelligrini, Padoan, Pantano, Ramirez, Sands, Trenti, Veronese, Vardanega, Zacchia.

BARLA UNDER 23
Craig Millington (Bank Quay Bulls), Matt Jefferson (Barrow Island), Barry McGilvray (Blackbrook), Matthew Bacon, Shaun Goodway (Castleford Panthers), Andrew Brearley (Drighlington), Luke Brindley (East Hull), Michael Brown (Eastmoor), Gary Greenhough (Leigh East), Scott O’Brien (Leigh Miners), Carl Booth (Myton Warriors),Adam Kirwan (Saddleworth), Paddy Flynn (Thatto Heath), Richard Cattley (Stanley Rangers), Johnny Campbell, James Folan (Thornhill), Gary Phillips (Wigan St Cuthbert’s)