FORMER York RL player Jamie Benn coached the National Conference League Eagles to a 56-24 victory over French representative side Languedoc Roussillon at Heworth.

The Eagles, whose ranks included Villagers forward Chris Varley led 20-10 at half-time at Elmpark Way and stormed further clear in the second period.

Prop Mark Thomas had a tremendous game for the Eagles, but the man of the match award was awarded to stand-off Adrian Mulcahy for his hat-trick and organisational skills. Second row and skipper Chris Smith led from the front and there were other superb performances from Jonny Dawson, Kris Walker and David Cookson.

Other Eagles try scorers were Gary McClelland (2), Adrian Holdsworth, Walker, Lee James, Joel Marsh and Peter Bewsher.

York Acorn ARLC’s Tim Elliott was not included in a 20-man playing squad as BARLA Great Britain Lions opened their Australia tour with a 32-14 victory over Rockingham Sharks.

The tourists play North Beach tomorrow.