Australia runs rampant in league test

Press, 10 November 1986, Page 21

Australia runs rampant in league test

NZPA-AP Leeds Australia trounced Britain, 34-4, in the second rugby league test at Eiland Road yesterday to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-three series. The rampant Australians ran in six tries and led 34-0 before Britain scored a late consolation try.

The Australian,

Michael O’Connor, kicked five goals and scored one of the tries, which also came from Gary Jack (two), Bob Linder, the captain, Wally Lewis, and Brett Kenny.

Britain’s late score came from Gary Schofield.

In the early stages, the British showed signs they had recovered from their drubbing at Old

Trafford. They pressurised the Australians without being able to create any openings, but at the same time kept the tourists out for half an hour. After O’Connor had landed a penalty for obstruction, Linder went over for an opportunist try which was converted. Then O’Connor scored a breakaway try, kicking ahead to catch the Brit-

ish defence napping and open up a 12-0 half-time lead. Both sides were guilty of losing possession in midfield but Australia’s halfback combination of Peter Sterling and Lewis began to take a stranglehold on the game, supported by the loose forward, Noel Cleall, With three minutes remaining Britain finally got on the scoresheet