RLWC
Group Match: Wales V Cook Islands
2000 RLWC
Written by: Craig Murray
The Welsh dragon flies high tonight after a
record World Cup Win, 38-6 over the spirited
Cook Islanders. The inflated scoreline is misleading,
and the Cooks can be very proud after one of
the most amazing first half displays, epitomising
the World Cup. No one had given the Cooks a
glimmer of hope of making the top three in the
group, let alone qualifying but that didn't
stop them.
Led
by Kevin Iro, the Cook Islands, comprising of
many natives who play their trade in New Zealand,
refused to die despite allowing Wales an early
six point lead, the awesome Lee Briers going
in near the posts. The only other score of the
half came from Karl Temata in the corner after
good work from the experienced Iro. Crucially,
the Cook Islands missed a penalty attempt, and,
showing their naivety, spurned an easy two points
inside Wales 10. Despite pressure at the end
from the Welsh, the Islanders held on for 6
all at half time, stunning the vociferous Welsh
crowd, who seemed appreciative of both teams.
Yet
all good things must end sooner or later, and
it was sooner for the Cook Islands. The second
half allowed Wales to show their class. They
crossed for five tries in thirty two minutes
as the Islanders tired in the wet conditions.
Kris Tassell grabbed a hat trick. The Australian
with Welsh heritage was impressive in a backline
that never lived upto expectations. Other comprehensive
scores from Jenkins and Cunningham inflated
the scoreline far beyond it deserved to be.
The
Cook Islands now move onto New Zealand, aware
of the huge task that lies ahead. They will
have hope of containing the Kiwis early on though.
Wales now face Lebanon at Lianelli in what now
seems an easy game. The formidable trio of Cunningham,
Briers and Harris should easily dominate the
one man Lebanese.
Zane
Clarke was by far the best for the Cook Islands.
The hooker had a terrific game, and with some
work on his fitness, he was anonymous in the
second half, he would be a tremendous acquisition
for any club without an up and coming hooker.
Wales' best was Lee Briers, who provided deft
touches at the end for one of the tries of the
tournament as he mesmerised a startled Cook
Islands defence into submission. The Welsh will
have been encouraged by a 5,000 plus passionate
crowd, exceptional given the conditions.
WALES DRAGONS 38.
Tries: Tassell 3, Briers, Cunningham,
Jenkins.
Goals: Harris 7.
Team: Paul Atcheson, Paul Sterling,
Kris Tassell, Jason Critchley, Anthony Sullivan,
Iestyn Harris, Lee Briers, Anthony Farrell,
Keiron Cunningham, Dave Whittle, Justin Morgan,
Mick Jenkins, Dean Busby. Subs: Ian Watson,
Wes Davies, Gareth Carvell, Paul Highton.
defeated COOK ISLANDS 6.
Tries: Temata.
Goals: Piakura.
Team: Richard Piakura, Tangiia
Tongia, Steve Berryman, Kevin Iro, Karl Temata,
Craig Bowen, Leroy Joe. George Tuakura, Zane
Clarke, Jason Temu, Patrick Kuru, Tyrone Pau,
Anthony Samuel. Subs: Michael Anderson, Peter
Lewis, Tere Glassie, Adam Cook.
Man of the Match: Lee Briers
(Wales).
Half Time: Level 6-all.
Referee: Thierry Alibert (France).
Date: Sunday October 29.
Venue: Racehorse Ground, Wrexham.
Crowd: 5,000.
