Kimmorley led Australians defeat Wales
The Australian Kangaroos have bounced back to form with a devastating 74-4 victory over Wales this morning, with Craig Fitzgibbon landing 22 points for the Australians.

After having lost their opening match of the Kangaroo Tour to New Zealand, the Australian side has had two below par victories in their two previous warm-up games but have finally found form leading into Saturday’s clash with Great Britain.

The Kangaroos were directed around the park by Brett Kimmorley, whilst Luke Ricketson, Craig Fitzgibbon and Danny Buderus were among the best performers for the Australians.

In the opening five minutes of the game, Darren Lockyer was replaced with a suspected broken nose but returned later in the first half.

In the twentieth minute of the game, Ryan Gridler reaggrivated his calf injury, which he sustained in the NRL Grand Final. Girdler is in doubt for Saturdays clash with Great Britain.

Craig Wing had a sojourn stay at fullback, before moving to the centres to replace the injured Girdler.

Wales crossed for their first try of the match late in the second half through centre Kris Tasssle.

At half-time Australian lead 36 to Wales 4.

For Australia, Kimmorley, Buderus and Minichiello all crossed for two tries.

The partnership of Craig Gower and Kimmorley in the halves looks to be a winner, with both players combining well throughout the game. Kimmorley had a hand in at least 10 of the Australian tries, whilst Gower was just as instrumental in the 13-try romp.

The Australian side simply had to much class for the Welsh, with inside balls catching the Welsh defenders on numerous occasions. A spirited performance by the Welsh players was not enough to combat the Australian strike power.

AUSTRALIAN KANGAROOS 76
Tries: Minichiello 2, Buderus 2, Kimmorley 2, Lockyer, P.Bailey, Girdler, Simpson, Gower, Hegarty, Wing
Goals: Fitzgibbon 11 from 11, Gower 1 from 1, Kimmorley 0 from 1
Team: Darren Lockyer (Brisbane), Anthony Minichiello (Sydney Roosters), Ryan Girdler (Penrith), Phil Bailey (Cronulla), Shannon Hegarty (Sydney Roosters), Craig Gower (Penrith), Brett Kimmorley (Cronulla), Shane Webcke (Brisbane), Danny Buderus (Newcastle), Petero Civoniceva (Brisbane), Steve Simpson (Newcastle), Craig Fitzgibbon (Sydney Roosters), Luke Ricketson (Sydney Roosters); Subs: Richard Villasanti (NZ Warriors), Willie Mason (Canterbury), Trent Waterhouse (Penrith), Craig Wing (Sydney Roosters)
defeated WALES DRAGONS 4
Tries: Tassle
Team: Paul Atcheson (Widnes Vikings, Capt), Damian Gibson (Castleford Tigers), Kris Tassell (Swinton Lions), Adam Hughes (Widnes Vikings), Hefin O'Hare (Huddersfield Gaints), Aled James (Bridgend/Widnes Vikings), Mark Lennon (Castleford Tigers), Rob Roberts, Ian Watson (Rochdale Hornets), Anthony Farrell (Widnes Vikings), Jon Aston (Hull Kingston Rovers), Chris Morley (Oldham), Kevin Ellis (Bridgend); Subs: Allan Bateman (Bridgend), Jordan James (Sheffield Eagles), Gareth Price (Rochdale Hornets), Mills (Widnes Vikings).

Venue: Brewery Field (Bridgend) Crowd: 3,112
Date: Sun Nov 2 2.00pm BST, 1.00am AEST.
Referee: Karl Kirkpatrick (England)
Half time: Australia 36 - 4
First Try: Ryan Girdler (Australia)

Article byMichael Carayannis
3 Nov 2003