England Community Lions became the first touring side to beat Western Australia since 1975, battling to a 22-0 win in the First Test of the two-game series.
All five west Cumbrian tourists had roles to play in the victory – three in the starting line-up and two from the bench.
Leon Crellin (Egremont), Dominic Wear (Kells) and Charlie Tomlinson (Wath Brow) were in the starting line-up. Ellison Holgate (Wath Brow) and Kieran Glen (Egremont) began on the bench.
It was a performance full of character, with tough defence and attacking chances taken by the touring side. Indeed it proved a complete team performance with the sum of the parts greater than any individual.
The backs did a good job when things were difficult, communication and connection were evident, while the forwards continued to show up even at times when discipline lapsed and the visitors found themselves reduced to eleven men.
There was nothing in the game for much of the first half, and in fact, Western Australia had the better territory. However, the Lions’ defence was superb against a big pack.
The tourists’ first opportunity came six minutes in, when from a penalty, they moved into the WA twenty, but home fullback Bailey Millar scooped up a low kick.
WA player-coach Delane Edwards broke in the next set only for the Lions to scramble and Craig McShane was tackled high behind his line by Duane Butler and a short skirmish brought nothing more than the drop out.
Egremont’s Crellin came up with a great intercept in the 17th minute but was injured in the tackle and had to be withdrawn, although he did make a return in the second half.
Millar was held up over the line after 19 minutes, but the Lions struck right back with Ben Shulver winning consecutive penalties and Danny Rowse kicked the tourists into a 2-0 lead after 21 minutes.
Skipper Chris Siddons cut through the middle for the Lions but his pass only found WA hands and Jake Moore was sinbinned after 29 minutes following a clash with Corban Daniels.
Moments later, the Community Lions stretched their advantage when a Rowse torpedo kick bounced and the onrushing Lewis Price contested to collect and go past Te Toa Parkinson for the score and Rowse converted for an 8-0 advantage.
Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards bustled forward and two quick penalties brought another sinbin from referee Byron Devene as Elliott Cousins held on too long in the 34th minute.
Five minutes into the second half the Hunslet connection worked a treat as Danny Rowse put a towering kick up, Craig McShane chased through to collect and fired the pass left for Jake Dearden to slide over. Rowse goaled and it was 14-0.
Luke-David Wells-Talamaivao was put on report after 50 minutes for a challenge on Cousins, and the Lions rolled forward again.
Tuuta-Edwards had a try disallowed after 56 minutes for obstruction by Tyler Moeau. Moeau and Tuuta-Edwards conceded a further penalty after holding down Wath Brow’s Charlie Tomlinson and Rowse goaled from 35 metres. Straight from the restart Craig and Jack McShane combined to cover forty metres.
Julian Wilson Wyllie was sinbinned for WA after 64 minutes and the Lions took advantage four minutes later.
A deep kick from Rowse drew an error from Millar and a quick scrum move saw Connor Parkinson feed before the ball was quickly worked to Craig McShane who released at just the right moment for Price to charge in at the corner for his second try.
Rowse converted from the touchline, his fifth goal, and the Lions defence roared them to a memorable victory.
Among the Lions supporters were a number of fans from west Cumbria who had made the trip especially to watch their representatives in action.
Western Australia
Bailey Millar, Ryan Woolley, Corban Daniels, Rangitukia Teirney, Te Toa Parkinson; Delane Edwards, Edward Shand; Joell Irvine, Taurean Sheehan (C), Onisimo Tagicakibau, Tyler Moeau, Brandon White, Duane Butler. Subs (All used): Luke-David Wells-Talamaivao, Jarrad Smith, Keelyn Tuuta-Edwards, Julian Wilson Wyllie. 18th-man (Not used) Tom Fry.
England Community Lions
Craig McShane, Connor Parkinson, Leon Crellin, Jake Dearden, Lewis Price; Dom Wear, Danny Rowse; Jamie Tracey, Jack McShane, Chris Siddons, Jake Moore, Ben Shulver, Charlie Tomlinson. Subs (All used): Ellison Holgate, Keiran Glen, Matty Stableford, Elliott Cousins. 18th-man (Not used) Conor Taylor.
Tries: Price (35, 68) Dearden (45).
Goals: Rowse 5/5.
Referee: Byron Devene
