A number of Cumbrian rugby league stars featured as the Under-19 England Community Lions clinched their second successive European Championship in Serbia.

The side, which included Hesingham's Miller Dalton and Fletcher Holgate, as well as Cumbrian Sam Murtagh, was captained by Wath Brow Hornets man Devan Sharp and defeated France 15-8 in the final on Saturday, July 20. 

The Lions' Cumbrian contingent played a key role in securing the title, with Miller Dalton scoring two tries in the match, whilst captain Devan Sharp also contributed with a 30-yard field goal. 

The England Community Lions, led by Devan had departed for Eastern Europe in early July and navigated clashes with the Serbian Under-21s and Ukraine on their way to the trophy. 

After the Lions' claimed the European Championship, Devan's father Jamie expressed his immense pride at his son's and the wider team's achievement. 

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted for Devan and his England teammates not only for him to be selected as captain of his country but to come home as European champions.

"Also being selected in the European team of the tournament is something we as a family are immensely proud of as we know the hard work and dedication he shows towards rugby league."

This tournament success comes two years after the England Community Lions initially claimed European glory in Lignano Sabbiadoro. 

Before leaving for Serbia with his England teammates, Devan had pledged to represent his country and county with pride and work hard to win the title.

He said: "The experience of going to Serbia, which is a place that I would not look at going to normally, and getting that experience through Rugby makes it that much more honourable.

"To represent your country in any sport but in the sport I love Rugby is an absolute honour and privilege.

"We will be flying the Cumbrian flag as well as the England flag."