Wales set up final group clash with Australia after beating Scotland
Wales need to beat Australia on Sunday to qualify for the semi-finals of the Student Rugby League World Cup after defeating Scotland 31-16 earlier today (Wednesday).

The Dragons put in an excellent second half performance after seemingly lacking confidence in their own abilities during the first period, often choosing to kick their way to glory rather than going for the try-line.

Neil Davies was once again the Welsh hero, putting in a solid performance, scoring the first of his two tries in only the fourth minute as he ran beautifully through a pack of defenders to ground. His fellow Aberavon Fighting Irish team-mate, Dean Scully converted.

Davies successfully kicked a field goal just five minutes later before Scully added a penalty to make the score 9-0.

But Dougie Flockhard, who has flown directly from one World Cup to another after representing Scotland in the Rugby Union U21 tournament in Argentina, finished off an excellent move for a well-deserved Scots try.

But Wales went in to the break with a 15-6 lead. Scully and Andy McPhail swapped penalties and Davies scored a debatable second try of the half after it looked like Gareth Thirsk had knocked-on.

Wales started the second half with more confidence and were rewarded with a try as early as the second minute – Scully was given far too much space by the Scottish defence and didn’t need Ben Smith’s support as he ran over.

Phil Carleton was sin binned for striking in the 47th minute and the Scots took advantage of the extra man just seconds before Carleton was due back on. A nice break from Bobby Bahadori down the left set up Flockhard who ran 30 metres to score.

But Wales wrapped up the match with two tries in seven minutes. First, Cardiff Demons’ Dewi Scourfield ran in under the sticks before a good passing move involving Pete Moore and Matt Jackson

set up fellow Demon Andrew Bond in the corner. Mike Murphy’s last minute try for Scotland was just a consolation.

Wales coach Wayne Williams was delighted with his team’s performance highlighting newcomer Jonathan Brinkworth.

“Jon had a great game.” said Williams. “For his first appearance, he excelled, as did Neil Davies and plenty of others. I’m looking forward to seeing the DVD of this match before we take on the Aussies on Sunday.”

Australia play against New Zealand tonight at the Suncorp Stadium before the State of Origin match between Queensland and New South Wales.

Gamebreaker: Andrew Bond’s try with less than ten minutes to go gave Wales a three-try cushion.

Gamestar: Neil Davies, winner of many man-of-the-match awards in the past was once again first class in a good team performance.

WALES: Matt Jackson, Andrew Bond, Geraint Davies, Dean Scully, Ben Smith, Phil Carleton, Pete Moore, Dewi Scourfield, Mark Burke, Jason Massey, Gavin Curry, Gareth Morgan, Neil Davies. Subs (all used): Dennis Pugh, Daniel ap Dafydd, Mark Dando, Jonathan Brinkworth, Neil Hesketh, Gareth Thirsk.
Tries: N.Davies (4, 38), Scully (42), Scourfield (64), Bond (71).
Goals: Scully 5/7. Fieldgoal: N.Davies
Sinbinned: Carleton.

SCOTLAND: David Ford, Calum Morrison, Mark Webster, Dougie Flockhard, Andy McPhail, Mike Murphy, Lee Spence, Mike Wallace, Bobby Bahadori, Dougie Thompson, Dave Simm, Stuart Dunbar, Chris Fletcher. Subs (all used): Barry Earl, Tony Williams, Dave Jones, Dave Birchall, Keir Bell, Sam Onions.
Tries: Flockhard (18, 57), Murphy (79).
Goals: McPhail 2/3, Ford 0/1.

Men of the Match:
Wales: Neil Davies.
Scotland: Dave Birchall.
Referee: Chris Sutton (Australia). Half-time: 15-6.

Article by Ian Golden
6 Jul 2005