Match report from
Game 1
The North West English Lionhearts picked up a convincing 66-0 win against a proud Jamaican Select XIII in the first game of their tour at the UWI Mona Bowl.
The Lionhearts scored in the very first minute through Jack Sproat of Wigan St Patricks and blitzed their hosts with a further six first half tries with the speed and physicality of the England game clearly a new experience for their opposition. Scorers were Jack McHugh, Greg Wilde, Ryan Ashall, Adam Robinson, Robbie Lindley and Jordan Penny with two Darryl King conversions.
With a vociferous crowd enjoying every big tackle and show of skill from both sides looking on the Jamaican team began to find their feet a little, slowing down the scoring before putting on a little pressure as the first half wore on. However, despite a couple of sets on the line and a couple of nervous moments the Lionhearts defence held firm and we went into the half at 30-0.
Any hopes for a half time team talk having a big impact were soon dashed as the Lionhearts went in again after two minutes as Jordan Penny picked up a second score. Further tries came from Darryl King (2), Nathan Sneesby, Daniel Brown and Jack McHugh with the last eliciting most oohs from the crowd as Owain Abels clever kick pass was gathered by the fullback.
Head coach Sean McHugh said after the game, “I can certainly say I was very happy with the performance this evening and how they handled the conditions. Its not easy to have a squad of 22 all get half a game and for those on the field to hardly miss a step as they swapped, especially with the strong wind and heat as well. The only downside was the two knocks which caused Phil Woollacott and Robbie Lindley to leave the game early but we’re hopeful they’ll be back to face Kingston and St Andrews Reds next Wednesday. Also, I couldn’t not say how the Jamaican supporters were great. We hope they’re there again on Sunday for the 9s tournament, and in even greater numbers.”
North West English Lionhearts: Jack McHugh (Orrell St James), Robbie Lindley (Wigan Bulldogs), Jordan Penny (Wigan St Cuthberts), Greg Wilde (Culcheth Eagles), Jack Sproat (Wigan St Patricks), Deane Meadows (Shevington Sharks), Darryl King (Wigan St Judes), Sam Lewis (Orrell St James), Ste McDermott (Widnes West Bank), Ryan Ashall (Wigan St Cuthberts), Phil Mitchell (Blackpool Scorpions), Adam Lavin (Orrell St James), Daniel Brown (Latchford Albion);
Tries: Jack Sproat, Jack McHugh (2), Greg Wilde, Ryan Ashall, Adam Robinson, Robbie Lindley, Jordan Penny (2), Darryl King (2), Nathan Sneesby, Daniel Brown
Goals: Darryl King (3/8), Deane Meadows (2/3), Owain Abel (2/2)
Jamaica Select XIII: Javien Bryan, Miguel Facey, Shaquiel Pollack, Orlando Messado, Nicolai Kennedy, Daniel Graham, Anthony Findlay, Jade Harrison, Lawrence Drummond, Romario Bartley, Neville Lynch, Daniel Barnett, Daniel Morrison; Demone McDougal, Antonio Baker, Omar Jones, Sheldon Kelly, Shaneal Brown, Hakeem Richards, Julius Reid, Tevin Dixon, Oniel Thomas
Referee: Tara Jones (Warrington) Touch Judges: Peter Tapper, Kemoy White (Jamaica)