England survive scare in rugby league World Cup opener
England avoided a disastrous start against Papua New Guinea
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Saturday, 25, Oct 2008 03:06
England came from behind to avoid an embarrassing upset in their opening match of the rugby league World Cup against Papua New Guinea.
Tony Smith's side trailed at half time but eventually won 32-22 in Townsville, New Zealand.
Luckily for England Lee Smith managed to get a hat-trick to keep them in the match before Ade Gardner's second try of the game saw them stretch clear of their opponents.
England were on the back foot during the first half with veteran Stanley Gene orchestrating play for New Guinea.
John Wilshere matched the two goals of Kevin Sinfield but tries from Rod Griffin, Jason Chan and George Kepa were enough to give the underdogs a slim 16-12 lead at the break.
Gardner and Smith had both crossed the whitewash in the first half to keep England in touch and the same players were responsible for overhauling New Guinea.
Ten minutes after the break Smith got his second try to level the match, finishing off a flowing move. Martin Gleeson then gave them the lead after good work from Rob Burrow.
Leon Pryce set up Gardner for his second try as a tired New Guinea side finally started to leak tries. Smith then rounded-off an excellent debut with his third try of the match three minutes later.
Given their first-half performance it was perhaps fitting that New Guinea grabbed a late consolation try through Paul Aiton, however, England will be relieved to have come through the match eventually taking maximum points.