French rugby league fans were in mourning after Great Britain beat the national side 45-10 in Perpignan, a record win for the Lions in France.

Martin Offiah, Garry Schofield and Shaun Edwards each scored two tries, while Paul Eastwood landed six conversions from eight shots.

There were four debutants in the British squad – Les Holliday (Widnes), Ian Lucas (Wigan), St John Ellis (Castleford) and Mark Aston (Sheffield).

One of the few highlights for France was a 75 metre try scored by Catalans XIII fullback, Christophe Auroy.

Centre, David Fraisse from Carcassonne held his own against the formidable opposition and attracted offers from Yorkshire club, Castleford.

The only player in France’s 17 man squad, chosen from outside the domestic competition, was halfback, Patrick Entat, who was playing for Hull in England.

Hull were coached by Australian, Noel Cleal, who announced his retirement as a player in January, 1991, replacing himself on the Hull roster with Balmain centre, Damien McGarry.

David Fraisse