England were held to a shock draw by an impressive Cumbria at an emotional Recreation Ground in Whitehaven.

England led 6-0, 12-6 and 18-12 only for the hosts to hit back each time.

Tony Clubb, Garreth Carvell and Richie Myler scored England's tries, with Kyle Amor, John Paul Brocklebank and Scott McAvoy responding for Cumbria.

The match had been arranged to pay tribute to ex-Workington and Whitehaven forward Garry Purdham, who was a victim of the Cumbria shooting on 2 June.

It also doubled up as warm-up for the Four Nations, with England facing Papua New Guinea and host countries New Zealand and Australia in October and November.

England coach Steve McNamara said the game helped him resolve some selection issues ahead of Monday's announcement of the 24-strong tour party.

The atmosphere made it a great occasion and I reckon that, if you made it an annual occasion, it would fill this ground or somewhere else Rob Purdham

"We took some players off at half-time and didn't use them again," said McNamara. "The purpose was to help us make some decisions and it's certainly done that."

Cumbria were captained superbly by Garry Purdham's younger brother, Harlequins and England loose forward Rob Purdham.

He said a DVD compiled by assistant coach David Seeds of his brother's career provided the inspiration behind their battling display.

"It brought a tear to my eye," he said. "I think it inspired all the boys. They put their body on the line out there for 80 minutes and it turned out good in the end."

Purdham believes the display justified the decision for his side to provide the pre-tournament opposition for England and he would like to see the fixture repeated next year.

"Look at the scoreline, 18-18 instead of 74-0," he said, referring to England's emphatic defeat of Wales in 2008.

"It's proved we can put on a pre-match for the Four Nations and, with a bit more preparation, we'd give them another test next year.

"The atmosphere made it a great occasion and, if you made it an annual occasion, it would fill this ground or somewhere else."

Garry Purdham, a 31-year-old father-of-two, was shot as he trimmed hedges with his uncle near Gosforth.

A crowd of 5,250 watched the game in Whitehaven, with money raised from the match going to help Garry Purdham's children.

A statement from the Garry Purdham Trust thanked everyone who had made the match happen and turned out to watch.

"Today the Rugby League family has joined together to leave a living legacy in the name of Garry Purdham to financially assist the Purdham boys in the future," it read.

"The Purdham family wish to thank everyone connected with today's special match including organisers, players, staff and especially all of the fans who have supported the game in such numbers. We are truly overwhelmed. Garry would be very proud of you all.

"The organisers hope to raise £50,000 for the Garry Purdham Trust. Due to the magnificent response we are very hopeful that the target will be exceeded."

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