GIANTS Academy coach Lee St Hilaire believes all of his young players can take great heart from the way they competed against experienced Batley Bulldogs.

St Hilaire always knew his side would find the going tough against such experienced National League I opposition.

But he had nothing but praise for the efforts of all of his young guns.

"They're disappointed with the result, which is only natural," said St Hilaire, whose side averaged 18, with Neil Bellshaw the oldest at 20 and Sam Housley the youngest at just turned 17.

"But they are still upbeat, because they recognise they have just come up against a full National League I squad, who have their first competitive hit-out next weekend.

"The experience they will all have gained from this match will have been invaluable, and I hope it stands them in good stead for the future.

"And the efforts of players such as Chris Lawson, Leroy Cudjoe and Matthew Whittaker show that the future for this club looks bright."

A crowd of 708 turned out for yesterday's contest, with all the cash going to the National League I club.

It is all part of a new Rugby League policy, whereby a Super League club plays a pre-season game against a local National League rival.

Many of these matches took place this weekend, and it was interesting to note Leeds lost at Hunslet, Bradford lost at Keighley and Wigan lost at Whitehaven.