Posted: Sun 30th Oct 2016

Wales beat Italy to qualify for next years Rugby League World Cup in Australia

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales
This article is old - Published: Sunday, Oct 30th, 2016

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Wales Dragons have qualified for next year’s Rugby League World Cup defeating Italian Azzurri 20 to 14 at Stadia Brianteo in Monza.

The Welsh national side, who are based are at Deeside Leisure Centre and is home to the teams elite training facility, were trailing 14-6 at half time before Anthony Walker stepped in with a special play.

Wales debutant Danny Ansell came off the bench to play a prominent part in the game crossing for the opening try in the 15th minute after Fozard had broken clear and positioned him to the posts with an inside pass.

Lloyd White’s kicks caused problems but Italy enjoyed most of the possession for the next 10 minutes and on a third repeat set from consecutive drop outs, Colin Wilkie jinked onto a pass to score, Terry Campese levelling with the conversion.

Straight after, a fumbled kick by the visitors saw winger Justin Castellaro go over in the corner, Campese nailing the conversion and then a penalty, after he was hit late by Gil Dudson on 37th minutes.

Wales hit back immediately, Walker picking up the ball from the back of a scrum 20 metres out and crashing over, Davies wide with the goal attempt to leave it 14-10 at the break.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]Wales were ahead 12 minutes after the break, Italy fumbling a White kick and Fozard swooping to send Andrew Gay in to score, Davies edging them ahead with a terrific touchline conversion.

And, just before the hour, on the back of Craig Kopczak’s break, Fozard was again the provider with a popped pass for Morris’ second, Davies wide with the extras.

From there it became a tough, physical battle, Joe Burke suffering a badly broken nose but Wales held on, their travelling band of 200 fans getting louder as victory grew nearer.

The Italians were kept scoreless in the second half and ran out of attacking ideas in the closing stages, having twice dropped the ball in the corner.

Ansell nearly uncovered Wales’ record try scorer Rhys Williams with a kick to the corner, and he wide with a drop goal attempt five minutes from time but the determined Welsh hung on to win 20 – 14.

Victorious coach John Kear said;

“It’s really pleasing, if you are going to achieve things its got to be difficult but the collective spirit, desire and passion was there for all to see,

The players felt that they didn’t do themselves justice in the 2013 World Cup and are looking at putting that right.”

ITALY 14
Tries: Wilkie (26), Castellaro (29)
Goals: Campese 3/3

WALES 20
Tries: Morris (16, 59), Walker (37), Gay (52)
Goals: Davies 2/4

 

Additional reporting via www.rlwc2017.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Spotted something? Got a story? Send a Facebook Message | A direct message on Twitter | Email: News@Deeside.com
Latest News

  • North Wales’ NHS service ‘nowhere near good enough’ admits Betsi boss
  • Chester Zoo reintroduces one of world’s rarest plants into mystery Welsh location to help save it from extinction
  • Operation Darwin: Campaign aimed at reducing risk of motorcycle-related deaths launched in North Wales

  • More...

    North Wales’ NHS service ‘nowhere near good enough’ admits Betsi boss

    News

    Chester Zoo reintroduces one of world’s rarest plants into mystery Welsh location to help save it from extinction

    News

    Operation Darwin: Campaign aimed at reducing risk of motorcycle-related deaths launched in North Wales

    News

    Man who raped a teenager at a campsite near Chester jailed.

    News

    DECA Sealand industrial action ends after union secures improved pay deal.

    News

    MPs’ call for ‘modest’ increase in statutory sick pay

    News

    10m homes should read their energy meter this weekend

    News

    Are high street banks leaving Wales behind? MPs to examine access to cash

    News

    Easter travel rush: 18.5m journeys expected, says AA

    News