There was a bit of electricity in the air as the Great Britain Community Lions Under 18's and the Australian Institute of Sport teams proudly sung their respective National Anthems before the latest battle between the Aussie's and the old enemy's ENGLAND and AUSTRALIA.
For the first few minutes the Aussies dropped the ball too often early especially from the kick and gave the English too much possession.
Although the Australian defence was good, it couldn't spot mobile English second rower Stephen Welton from crashing over to score the first points after 17 minutes, Lions half back Ian Kerman converted giving the Home side a 6 - 0 lead.
Four minutes later at the 21st minute mark, the AIS controlled the ball for a few sets and winger Michael Lucas was on the end of some good passes to score in the corner to put his team on the board, which was duly converted by Kyle Feldt.
It only took 3 minutes before the talented Paul Carter traced his fathers foot steps on Stobart Stadium dived over for a try which was appreciated by all in the crowd who knew their hero's son Paul was playing.
Reece Jaeger who kicks goals from anywhere took over the conversions and gave the Aussie the lead for the first time,
The AIS lead was short lived when young Lion Matthew Syron scored and tricky little half back Ian Kerman added the 2 points. 32 nd minute 12 - 12
It only took John Puna another 2 minutes to run onto a good ball and scored near the post, again super boot Jaeger converted,
The home side went into the sheds at the half only a try down GBC Lions 14 - 18 AIS
It seemed the local crowd had adopted young Paul Carter as they out screamed the Aussie supporters when Paul Carter crossed from his second try of the match, Reece Jaeger converted 14 - 24
It looked like a repeat of the first half with both side playing as they should for their country, then young Englishman Kurt Collins burst through to score, once again giving Ian Kerman an easy shot at the goal. 20 - 24
It took until the 17 th minute of the second half before the visiting Australians gained their composure and got the ball to Kurt Warden who is having a sensational tour, scored
The AIS lengthened the lead with an entertaining piece of play, half back Dean Blackman run at the English line only to chip the footy about 5 meters in the air, in a flash of brilliance, fullback Maipele Morseu ripped the ball from the air to run away for a good team try. Again Reece kicked and again his team added two more points.
Half way through the second half of this exciting junior International match saw the visitors in the lead on the big scoreboard. 20 - 36
Four minutes later, Man of the Match Kyle Feldt crossed the Community Lions line to the delight of his very happy team mates who rushed to congratulate him, as the team walked back to receive the footy again, Reece Jaeger added 2 more points. GBCL 20 - AIS 42
With the end of the match near, the rapidly improving Aussie's gave the ball to a hot Kyle Feldt who scored again, Reece doesn't miss from this close and the score had now jumped out to GBCL 20 - 48 AIS
FINAL SCORE : GBCL 20 - 48 AIS
PENALITY COUNT : Half time 6 - 4 FULL TIME 8 -7
MAN of the MATCH : KYLE FELDT (AIS)
BEST LION AWARD TO : Matthew HUBY (GBCL)
BEST AIS AWARD TO : KYLE FELDT (AIS)
A Special mention in dispatches to Cale HOBDAY who again lead from the front.
AIS Head Coach Mr. Brain Johnson said "he was happy, he is very pleased with their efforts and their patience and their execution, and it showed in the way they played tonight's game, they have shown vast improvement again"
Tomorrow the AIS will be visiting the Famous 'OLD TRAFORD" home of Manchester United and will get to cruise around the hallowed halls.
The AIS squad will then get ready for the game against a strong Welsh Under 18 side next Tuesday at another famous footy ground, Cardiff Stadium.
