The RFL

Northern Territories 12 v 18 Great Britain Community Lions U18s
Richardson Park, Darwin


A 52nd minute try from West Hull centre Nicky Johnson, from a terrific off load by Matthew Lowe, saw the Great Britain Community Lions kick off their tour down under with an 18-12 win over Northern Territories, at Richardson Park in Darwin.

In 32 degree heat and tropical humidity, the Tourists let 10-0 and although pulled back to 12-all seven minutes after the break, were never behind.

Head coach Carl Briscoe gave a run out to the full squad so that all the players could stake a claim for a Test shirt in two weeks time, when the young Lions take on the Australian Schoolboys in Canberra on the 15th August.

The honour of the opening try in the most extensive trip round Australia ever offered to any touring rugby league team – taking in nearly six thousand kilometres with matches held in four states and the Capital Territory – went to Widnes St Maries’ Richard Bailey in the sixth minute, Scott George converting.

Maries team mate Michael Allen extended the advantage three minutes later when the Northern Territories lost possession near their own line, West Cumbria’s George again adding the extras.

The hosts got back into the contest a quarter of the way through, centre Matt Johnson stepping brilliantly inside the last line of defence for a fine solo effort, Bradley Hanson converting to make it 6-12 at the break.

More good work from Matt Johnson sent home winger Kriss Nicholas over, Hanson levelling but Wigan St Cuthbert’s front rower Lowe, who had two great spells including some notable big hits, set up the winning score for Nicky Johnson, who is a target for Hull K.R.

Leigh Miners Rangers’ Jonathan Pownall goaled, to give the Gillette young Lions the perfect start to their odyssey.

Coach Briscoe commented, “I’m very pleased with the effort the boys put in, they showed a lot of character after the equalising try just after half time.”

“This win gives us a great platform as we head off to game two in Perth.”

Captain Mark Wool from Celtic Crusaders was happy with the first win of the tour, “Although we were a little scrappy, we have plenty to build on” he said.

“While it was not very pretty we will take a win in Australia any time.”


NORTHERN TERRITORIES
1 David Paull
2 Kriss Nichols
3 Daniel Good
4 Matt Johnson
5 Brett Boucher
6 Brad Hanson
7 Jason Gedert
8 Jeromie Edwards
9 Angus Jacobs
10 Alex Bauhman
11 Matt Peterson
12 Trenton Smith
13 Louka Constantine
Subs (all used)
14 Jake Watts
15 Rueben Castro
16 Cameron Versteegh
17 Dyland Cartwright
18 Jono Rioli
19 Gavin Brown
20 Willie May
21 Ben Tonkin

Tries: M. Johnson (18), Nicholas (47)
Goals: Hanson 2

LIONS
24 Daniel Filson (Pilkington Recs)
2 Rhys Fenton (Celtic Crusaders)
3 Nicky Johnson (West Hull)
4 Elliott Miller (Millom)
5 Alex Webber (Celtic Crusaders)
7 Scott George (West Cumbria)
22 Thomas Connick (Pilkington Recs)
14 Anthony Morrison (Saddleworth Rangers)
9 Anthony Nicholson (Leigh Miners Rangers)
11 Sam Hopkins (Leigh East)
13 Michael Allen (Widnes St Maries)
12 Jacob Fairbank (Elland)
1 Mark Wool (Celtic Crusaders)
Subs (all used)
6 Callum Phillips (West Cumbria)
15 Adam Clay (Leigh Miners Rangers)
16 Richard Bailey (Widnes St Maries)
17 Luke Tomlinson (East Leeds)
18 Callum Windley (West Hull)
19 Martin Grey (Leigh Miners Rangers)
20 Kriss Wilkes (Rhyl Coasters)
21 Jonathan Pownell (Leigh Miners Rangers)
10 Anthony Symons (Celtic Crusaders)
23 Mathew Lowe (Wigan St Cuthbert’s)
8 Glenn Riley (West Cumbria)

Tries: Bailey (6), Allen (9), N. Johnson (52)
Goals: George 2, Pownall

Men of the match: TERRITORIES – Matt Johnson LIONS – Matty Lowe

Half time: 6-12

Referee: Paul Mossman

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