Britain won its first rugby league match
in Australia in 14 years Saturday, beating the home side 23-12 to
all but clinch a spot in the Tri-Nations tournament final.
The win was sealed by a Gareth Raynor try three minutes from
fulltime before halfback Sean Long, who had a strong game for the
visitors, kicked a field goal in the final minutes.
Australia leads the competition with four points from three
matches and has already earned a spot in the final.
Britain has two points after two games and can clinch a spot in
the Nov. 25 final with a win next Saturday against New Zealand in
Wellington.
New Zealand, with no points, was docked two competition points
for a player eligibility infraction despite beating Britain 18-14
last week.
Britain had territorial dominance early before Australia scored a
length-of-the-field try against the run of play when Ben Hornby
grabbed a pass from Long on his own tryline and sent Greg Inglis
away. The visitors came back immediately when Long dummied his way
through to put Paul Wellens over for a try and tie the match at
halftime.
Lions captain Jamie Peacock carried four defenders over the line
as he put Britain ahead for the first time at 12-6 early in the
second half. Australia threatened to tie it in the next two minutes,
but Willie Mason dropped a pass from skipper Darren Lockyer with
only Wellens between him and the tryline.
``It took a great performance to win,'' said Britain's Leon
Pryce. ``They are recognized as the best in the world, so to beat
them is very special.''
Australian captain Darren Lockyer said his side made too many
mistakes.
``We made some errors at some crucial areas of the game,'' said
Lockyer. ``In the end that's what killed us. But they were a
committed side and they played really well.''
Australian coach Ricky Stuart agreed.
``A lot of people were writing them off,'' Stuart said of
Britain. ``They have a lot of pride in their jumper, a lot of pride
in their nation ... that's the way they played tonight.''
Britain coach Brian Noble praised Long.
``He's been much maligned at international level and I think he's
cured that tonight,'' Noble said.
``Everybody can focus on the intercept he threw. But he went and
made the next try and he made another one and found a half-decent
kicking game which was pleasing for him.''
