photo by Ian Lovell

Australia 24 Great Britain 16

Cardiff Demons’ fullback Matt Jackson was on the scoresheet for Great Britain Students in their first test of the Academic Ashes in Sydney, Australia but the Brits just lost out 24-16.

Jackson gave the Lions the lead in the third minute after Australia had knocked on from the kick-off but the Aussies were 18-4 up at the break after scoring three tries in 15 first half minutes.

Britain almost got a memorable victory after having a good field position in the final minute when they were just two points behind but Jamen McLeod caught Kevin Till’s kick on the final tackle to race 95 metres to score to give Australia a flattering victory.

Britain’s other Welshmen in the squad are Leeds Met’s Gareth Thirsk, Celtic Crusaders’ Lloyd O’Connor and Glamorgan University’s Dennis Pugh and Ben Rawlings. They and the rest of the British team will have their chance for revenge on Sunday as they face the Australians again at Coff’s Harbour.

Australia Universities
Tries: Paul Kelly 2, Phil Thurgood, Dan Smith, Jamen McLeod
Goals: Clint Lovering 2

Great Britain Universities
Tries: Dave Llewellyn, Matt Jackson, Kevin Till
Goals: Ian Gordon 2

article by Ian Golden
14 July 2006