TWO North Berwick rugby aces donned the dark blue of the national side this month, as they represented Scotland in Rugby League.

Findlay Graham and Matthew Hogg made their Scotland U19s debut in a match against South Wales Scorpions in Newcastle at the beginning of the month.

Graham, a regular in North Berwick's 1st XV last season under Jason White, played at full-back, while Hogg, who represented North Berwick High School 1st XV, was selected at half-back.

Despite both putting in impressive performances, the county starlets were unable to prevent the Scots falling to an agonising 30-20 defeat.

Selection for the national side represents another milestone in the pair's rugby careers.

They have played together since starting mini rugby in primary 1, including appearances for the senior North Berwick side towards the end of last season.

The pair were delighted to have donned the national team's colours together.

Graham told Courier Sport: "I was proud to pull on the Scotland shirt. I've been playing rugby with Matt since the start of P1 so getting the chance to play together made it an even better day."

Meanwhile, Hogg added: "It was great to get the opportunity to play Rugby League for Scotland.

"To play in the same team as one of my best mates made it even better"

Hogg was the star turn, and named man of the match, as the school side romped to victory in the Scottish Schools Plate final at BT Murrayfield, while Graham was named North Berwick's Young Player of the Year last term.

The pair follow in the footsteps of fellow North Berwick man Finlay Hutchison, who played for the U19 side in October 2014, before turning out for Scotland Students on his way to a first international cap last November.

The U19s have four more games to play this season, including trips to take on Ireland in Belfast and a home match against England at the University of Edinburgh in September.