HUDDERSFIELD Giants’ forward Adam Walker made his debut appearance for Scotland, but they slipped to a 30-18 against Ireland at Meggetland.

Ireland pulled off a fine win in the Alitalia European Cup’s opening game in Edinburgh thanks to a dominant first half which saw score four tries – two to Tim Bergin and two to veteran Stuart Littler – to take a commanding 22-0 lead at the break.

When Callum Casey scored three minutes into the second-half, it presented the Scots with an insurmountable challenge, although the Bravehearts lived up to their name, fighting to the last.

Scotland coach Dave Rotheram handed debuts to four youngsters with Leeds hooker Liam Hood, teenage Wigan winger Shae Lyon-Fraser, and 21-year-old Giant Adam joining twin Jonathan, currently with Castleford Tigers, in coming off the replacement bench.

It was a far stronger Scotland side than that which beat Ireland in Glasgow last year, as they featured Giants’ pack star Dale Ferguson alongside former Huddersfield prop Paul Jackson, but still included seven players aged 22 or under.

Also on duty were Halifax pair centre Josh and second rower Sam Barlow, while ex-Fax man Lee Paterson started at stand off.

Ireland, too, were more experienced, with Warrington Wolves loose forward Tyrone McCarthy the stand-out name, while coach Mark Aston gave debuts to six players and caps to John O’Donnell and James Mendeika, who both played in the non-capped game against England Knights, and former Giant Gregg McNally at full-back.

Ireland’s first half barrage came courtesy of attacking on the right flank where all their four tries were scored.

“Credit to the players, they found a weakness and shot it to pieces.” said coach Aston.

Scotland: Carter; Hurst, Lyon-Fraser, J Barlow, Scott; Paterson, Hood; Jackson, Henderson, Stringer, S Barlow, Ferguson, Szostak. Interchange (all used): Fisher, A Walker, J Walker, Cockburn

Ireland: McNally; Bergin, Littler, O’Toole, O’Donnell; Mendeika, Finn, Hesketh, Sice, Ambler, Cosgrove, Casey, McCarthy. Interchange (all used): Roche, Wellens, Hadden, McKeown

Referee: Ben Thaler