Rugby: Tom scores a debut try

FORMER Scotland rugby union centre Tom Philip's bid to re-launch his oval ball career in rugby league after injury got off to a try-scoring start, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

But Philip's efforts for new club Whitehaven were in vain as they went down 24-18 at Blackpool in a fourth round Carnegie Challenge Cup tie in front of a crowd of 471.

The next outing for Philip, who played throughout against Blackpool, could be at home to Halifax on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Currie Colts have clinched a place in the national under-18 rugby union cup final against Dumfries at Murrayfield next Monday after travelling to defeat Aberdeen Grammar FPs 22-10. Dumfries were at home and beat Boroughmuir 14-7 in the other semi-final.