South Pacific Tour.

Will there be updates when the lads go on tour ie:
Results, match reports etc?

Hi Guss,

Yes, there will be regular updates from the South Pacific Tour. We hope to be sending news, match reports and any other events of interest that may need reporting from the tour.

Mick Turner
BARLA International Manager

THE UNISON BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS ARRIVE IN TONGA

A weary Unison BARLA Great Britain Lions squad arrived in Tonga on
Thursday morning 11th after leaving The Village Hotel, Tingley two days earlier. The squad made their way by coach to Heathrow before flying to the first leg of the South Pacific Tour via Los Angles.

The squad were met by officials from the Tonga Rugby League following the flight and conveyed to their base whilst in Tonga, The Council of Churches, Nuku’alofa Tongatapu.

There was no rest for the wicked as Head Coach John Fieldhouse and Assistant Coach Gary Charlton were anxious for the lads to get over jet lag as soon as possible and had them on the training field for their opening session an hour after their arrival. Following lunch the squad will have an afternoon training session as they begin preparation for the Test Match against Tonga later this week.

Head Coach John Fieldhouse,
“We have had a long journey to get here and the lads know the task ahead of them and there will be no easy games on this tour. It was important to get the lads training and setting about it early as they will have to get over the jet lag."
“They have responded well to the conditions as it’s quite hot over here. It’s important that the squad work on our game plan for this tour and get used to the conditions which is totally different to what they have been used to. We have another session this afternoon and the whole squad are getting stuck in.”

BARLA Great Britain Lions International Manager Mick Turner
“We have arrived after a long journey to get here and it is a new
experience for the majority of this young squad. It will be a great
learning curve for them in their playing careers and got down to it
straight away in the opening training session. They all know that they are here and will be acting as ambassadors for their country.”

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager

Thanks for the update Mick, send my regards to everyone on tour.

Lions roar home in opener

The Unison BARLA Great Britain Lions got their tour off to a great start recovering from 12-10 down at the break and 18-16 down to score three tries in the final fourteen minutes to take the spoils.

In a game shown live in Tonga on Pacific Sky, the 7,000 crowd were thrilled with some exciting running rugby in the second half in a game when the lead changed four times and the highlights of BARLA’s six tries was the final effort in the last minute.

It didn’t look that way from the kick off when the Lions allowed the ball to go dead in the ingoal forcing a BARLA drop out. The defence firm as Tonga gained a foothold in the BARLA half which wasn’t helped when Lee Gudor (Siddal) kicked straight into touch on the last tackle on five minutes. They then conceded a penalty a minute for interference at the play the ball and from that set Tonga took the lead as fullback Etueni Stua drove over from close range and stand off Sione Taukapo added the extras.

From the restart Tonga prop Kuli Tonga took the ball and drove forward but was pole axed in a legitimate double tackle by Lions forwards Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers) and Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), who had to off for stitches. An ambulance drove onto the field in a lengthy hold up as Kuli was taken to hospital with concussion. From the resulting scrum the Lions had their best attack of the game but lost the ball in a good position and from that they then gave away a penalty for a high shot but were let off when Tonga knocked on metres from the line.

The Lions then got their act together following a penalty on the last
tackle and from that they ere awarded another penalty which saw Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East) scoot over for a fine individual effort from twenty metres. Lee Waterman (Skirlaugh) missed the conversion having a poor day with the boot landing only three from eight. The Lions discipline continually let them down forcing constant defending and they were feeding on scraps but when Brett Waller (Skirlaugh) and Aaron Bradley (Hull Dockers joined the fray they looked a different side.

But another penalty proved costly and on the first tackle forward Pila Ha’angata crashed over on the first tackle for a converted try. They thought they had scored a try on the next set but in a game defining moment the try for Heneli Fa’aumu was chalked off.

From being potentially 16-4 down going into they went up the other end of the field to be only 12-10 behind. The influential Gudor had initially put a grubber into the in goal forcing a drop out and from the next set a Gudor grubber on the last tackle saw Waller score under the posts and Waterman added the extras. The Lions had to continually defend but should have been level on the stroke of half time following a penalty bang in front of the sticks for not playing the ball. To the surprise of the large crowd Waterman missed the kick. But despite being completely outplayed the Lions went into the break only two points behind.

In the opening minute of the second half the Lions took the lead after Tonga lost the ball and as the ball went down the line and centre Richard George went in at the corner for the first of his brace and the Lions led for the first time 16-12 following Waterman’s touchline conversion. The Lions were in control through superb play from hooker Gary Phillips (Wigan St Patricks) with his superb scoots from half back and superb tackling and was a thorn in the Tonga side who couldn’t handle his speed of thought.

But as the side looking in complete control and Bradley being held short, Tonga retook the lead on 51 minutes following another penalty. Taukapo put a high chip to the corner and Tevita Okati leaped to take the ball and score to make it 18-16.

Five minutes later Phillips made a superb midfield break but winger Carl Booth (Myton Warriors). The next minutes they had a penalty in a good position but chose to run and gave away a penalty.

The Lions were then in complete control as Tonga began to tire and Fieldhouse just failed to take a Leon Brennan chip under the posts on the last tackle on 64 minutes. But two minutes later they took the lead they were not to lose with a superb George second. From the play the ball Gudor found the centre who side stepped inside creating a large hole which he went through to score to make it 20-18.

Three minutes later, Booth put a superb tackle on his opposite number Heneli Fa’aumuand which forced him into touch. From the scrum Gudor made a superb break but had no support, he then produced a great hit on Okati. Gudor and George combined for Fieldhouse who lost the ball five meters from the line but Tonga then managed to do the same ten metres from their line which saw BARLA increase their lead on 73 minutes. A move involving superb handling from Gudor, George, Danny Moss (Skirlaugh) saw centre Scott Lofthouse (Kells) score in the corner to make it 24-18 to the Lions.

Tonga tried a short kick off which the Lions were awake to and they went downfield and were awarded a penalty. This time Waterman made no mistake and the two points gave his side an eight point buffer.

Tonga battled on gamely but the try of the game came in the final minute when the Lions kept the ball alive at every moment and twelve passes later including a switch of play Booth finished off magnificently in the corner.
The referee blew the final whistle and the Lions went off to a great ovation.

Lions Head Coach John Fieldhouse,
“A good win and more to come I’m really ecstatic at the moment for all the players because it has been hard on the tour. Thirty six hours on a plane and four training sessions and then they have had to turn up and front up against a Tonga team and know that they are going to come at you fast and physical."
“The players were a bit daunted at the outset and the first twenty minutes took us by surprise we had lots of shakiness and nerves. Once we composed ourselves and managed to get it to 12-10 at half time we showed what we could do with the wind and conditions in our favour there was only one winner.”

Lions captain John McMullen
“It was a good win not the best performance but it was the first time for this squad with a lot o new players in the team. But they stood up to be counted and we pulled it together for the win in the second half."
“We put in the hard training before we got here and since our arrival and it showed what we have been working on during that time and I am more than pleased with the effort and the opening win of the tour.”

TONGA: 1. Etueni Stua, 2. Tevita Okati, 3. Deon Mapukara, 4.Konievi Fihau, 5. Heneli Fa’aumu, 6. Sione Taukapo, 7. Taufa Fukofuka, 8.Kuli Tona, 9. Pila Pone, 10. Semisi Tuikoloratu, 11. Pauli Taumotkeav, 12. Pila Ha’angata, 13. Paulo Fa’qoso, 14. Junior Okati, 15. Sione Tuifua, 16. Elioti Tonga, 17. Katalau Vea’ila, 18. Ngalu Maile
Tries: Stua, Ha’angata, Okati
Goals: Taukapo 3

BARLA Great Britain Lions: 1, Ryan Fieldhouse, 2, Carl Booth, 3,Richard George, 4. Scott Lofthouse, 5. Danny Moss, 6. John McMullen, 7. Lee Gudor, 8. Dean Balmer, 9. Gary Phillips, 10. Trevor Penrose, 11. Luke Varley, Ben Kendall, 13. Lee Waterman, 14. James Craven, 15. Leon Brennan, 16. Jon Walker, 17. Aaron Bradley, Brett Waller
Tries: Fieldhouse, Waller, George 2, Lofthouse, Booth
Goals: Waterman 3

Referee: Leon Williamson
HT : 12-10
Weather: Hot & Sunny
Man-of-the-Match: Gary Phillips (BARLA)

You can follow the South Pacific tour and the under 23's Ukraine tour with news and pictures on www.barlaontour.co.uk

Steve Manning BARLA P.R.O.

Great start by the lads, well done.

SAMOA PATRIOTS 18
BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS 14

Marist Stadium, Apia

The BARLA Great Britain Lions went down to their first defeat of their Unison Tour of the South Pacific to the Samoa Patriots 18-14 after deservedly leading 10-8 at the break. But two tries in three minutes on the hour sealed the Lions fate although a late Danny Moss (Skirlaugh) try
gave them hope but it wasn’t to be.

They had a try disallowed in the first half but mistakes in the second forty proved costly and the Patriots deserved the success in front of an estimated 1000 crowd. Lions Coaching staff must now get the squad up for Saturdays Test Match against Toa Samoa.

In humid conditions and a tough opening the Lions had the edge with bullocking runs from the whole pack as they gradually got on top and a superb run from fullback Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers) created the first Lions chance. As he was going into touch he flicked the ball inside
but was deemed to step into touch with the pass.

The Lions had to defend their own line on the next set and Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers) was finger tips from an intercept which would have given him daylight for a try.

The Lions opened the scoring after 15 minutes from a set play at the scrum. Scrum half Jamie Dalliomore (Wigan St Cuthberts) who had an outstanding game chipped over the Patriots defence and their winger Tom Iosefo fumbled the ball ingoal. Brennan who chased the chip swooped for
the opener but Dallimore could not add the extras.

The Patriots came back as the Lions discipline let them down and on the back of back to back penalties they took the lead on 22 minutes as skipper loose forward Ponifasio Vasa drove over from close range although the Lions questioned the try. Teo Sikovi kicked the first of his three goals and his side led by two points.

On the 31 minutes the Lions thought they had retaken the lead from a scrum after Patriots fullback Kose Tuimavave had knocked on taking a John McMullen (Wigan St Judes) bomb on the last tackle. McMullen passed from the scrum to Dallimore who put out a superb ball to Tony Suffolk (Wigan St
Patricks) who swooped over the line. To the amazement of the Lions the try was chalked off for a forward pass.

Disgruntled by the decision they gave away another penalty from the next set and Sikovi kicked a 45 meter penalty which went over off the post.

The Lions though retook the lead a minute later on 34 minutes after they regained possession and on the third tackle from the scrum Dallimore took the ball bamboozled the Patriots defence with a side step to go under the posts and he added the extras for good measure for a 10-8 lead.

They lost the ball from the restart and had to hold off some Patriot pressure which they did superbly.

The second half saw the Patriots take the game to the Lions who defended manfully and they and they were feeding off scraps and losing the ball early in the tackle count. The Lions tried kicking early in the tackle count through Lee Waterman and McMullen but the Patriots just came back upfield.

The Patriots Sikovi missed a further penalty but from the drop out it was backs to the defending by the Lions. But the pressure finally paid off on the hour but through a Lions mistake from a scrum on the halfway line.

James Craven took the ball ran across the Patriot defence and dropped the ball, fullback Tuimavave picked it up and went 45 meters under the post and Sikovi added the extras to make it 14-10.

Three minutes later the Patriots scored again following a scrum. They Patriots chipped over and then hacked the ball on ala rugby union and fullback Tuimavave won the footrace over Brennan to score but Sikovi surprisingly missed the kick.

The Lions were puzzled by some refereeing calls but got a lifeline with six minutes left. With the Patriots on their own twenty meter line Tom Hill (York Acorn) charged down a kick and as the ball bounced toward the Patriot tryline Dallimore charged down another kick. This time it bounced
kindly and Moss scored in the corner and there were four points in it.

The Lions gave everything but couldn’t quite get there and they finished off with twelve men when Waterman was sent off for dissent after a penalty for offside went against them thirty meters from the Patriots tryline

SAMOA PATRIOTS: 1.Kose Tuimavave, 2. Tom Iosefo, 3. Alesana Iosefo, 4. Teo Sikovi, 5. Saina Tiseni, 6. Logo Falii Toa, 7. Ati Falefa, 8.Tootoovae Luamanu, 9. Vaiaga Tailulu, 10. Timothy Stowers, 11. Siri Koroi, 12. Lotu Tulaga, 13. Ponifasio Vasa Capt, 14. Sinapati Laumatia, 15. Fiafia Afa, 16. Sapulu Pereti, 17. Brian Toa, 18. Billy Wilson, 19.Tuia Faalavaau.

Tries: Vasa, Tuimavave, Tiseni,

Goals: Sikovi 3

BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS: 1.Leon Brennan, 2. James Craven, Sam Radford, Lee Maskill Capt, 5. Danny Moss, 6. John McMullen, 7. Jamie Dallimore, 8.Richard Farrar, 9. Stephen Illingworth, 10. Aaron Fewlass, 11. Tom Sibley, 12. Tony Suffolk, 13. Sean Foster, 14. Lee Waterman, 15. Tom Hill, 16. Jon Walker, 17. Richard George, 18. Ben Kendall, 19. Dean Balmer.

Tries: Brennan, Dallimore, Craven

Goals: Dallimore

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager


You can follow the South Pacific tour and the under 23's Ukraine tour with news and pictures on www.barlaontour.co.uk

Any news on the test team to play Fiji.

BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS SQUAD NAMED FOR FIJI BATI TEST

BARLA Great Britain Lions Head Coach John Fieldhouse has named his twenty man squad for the First Test against the Fiji Bati which kicks off at the National Stadium in Suva at 2.00pm on Saturday 27th June.
This will be the toughest game of the Unison Tour of the South Pacific to date following the Fiji Bati performances in last year’s World Cup when they reached the last four. There will at least eight players in the Fiji side which played that tournament and although these players are amateurs playing in Fiji last years experience which stand them in good stead.

The Lions will go in to this game as underdogs and John Fieldhouse is expecting a tough game but knows that his side will give their all for their country as they go searching for their second win of the their tour.

Head Coach John Fieldhouse:

"We are aware of the tough test ahead of us against the Fiji Bati and though that we are in for a physical battle on Saturday afternoon and the boys will be giving everything to the cause to get a win.

"There is a hunger in the squad which has been there from the start and I believe I have picked a side capable of playing to our game plan. The players know what they have to do and will be ready for the challenge

"We know how well they did in last year’s World Cup but that happened last year we are now talking about the present. We are probably underdogs going into the Test and we are looking forward to the eighty minutes.

We have been training in typical British weather and it has rained and been dull most of today (Friday). The boys are representing their country and know the support they have there and the support we have in Fiji as we have helped in promoting the game in Suva."

The Squad: 1. Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East), 2. Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers, 3. Scott Lofthouse (Kells), 4. Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 5. Carl Booth (Myton Warriors), 6. John McMullen (Capt) (Wigan St Judes), 7. Lee Gudor (Siddal), 8. Richard Farrer (Egremont Rangers), 9. Gary Phillips (Wigan St Cuthberts), 10. Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), 11. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers), 12 Tom Sibley (Millom), 13. Lee Waterman (Skirlaugh). Substitutes: 14. Brett Waller (Skirlaugh), 15. Aaron Fewlass (Myton Warriors), 16. Sam Radford (West Hull), 17. Dean Balmer (Leigh Miners Rangers), 18. Richard George (Seaton Rangers), 19. Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts, 20. James Craven (Thornhill Trojans)

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager

THE LIONS MOVE ON FROM SUVA TO NADI FOR SECOND FIJI TEST


Following the BARLA Great Britain Lions narrow heartbreaking two point defeat to the Vodaphone Fiji Bati, the squad have moved from Suva to Nadi in preperation for the final game of the Unison Tour of the South Pacific 2009.

They vacated the Suva Apartments at the Fiji Olympic House and after a seven hour journey are now based at the Tokatoka Resort Hotel until they fly home on Thursday 2nd July arriving back in the United Kingdom at Heathrow Airport at 2.30pm on Friday 3rd July.

Torrential rain saw the LionsTuesday morning training session at the
Prince Charles Stadium, Laukota abandoned and a new facility was hastily arranged in Nadi for the afternoon session

The Lions play their Second Test Match against the Fiji on Wednesday 1st July at Churchill Park, Lautoka and the game has been put back to a 4.00pm kick rather than the origional 2.00pm start which should suit the Lions.

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager

THE BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS NAME SQUAD FOR SECOND FIJI TEST


BARLA Great Britain Lions Head Coach John Fieldhouse has named his twenty man squad for the Second Test Match against the Fiji Bati which takes place on Wednesday 1st July at Churchill Park, Lautoka kick off 4.00pm

After narrowingly losing the First Test by two points follwing a late Fiji converted try, Fieldhouse has made a number of changes due injuries and bringing fresh legs into the side and is yet to name his captain for the side.

The Lions go into the final match of the Unison Tour of the South Pacific on the back of three narrow defeats and are hoping to record their second victory on Wednesday.

Head Coach John Fieldhouse:

"We have had to make changes to the Lions side for this Second Test against the Fiji Bati as a result of injuries to players in the narrow defeat on Saturday and also to put out some fresh legs out onto the park.

"After the first physical encounter we gave the boys some rest but we have been hampered in training by severe rain in Lautoka and only managed to get our afternoon training at a hasitly arranged venue near our base at Nadi which went well.

"I annouced the team to the boys and we worked on our game plan to win the Second Test against Fiji. Everyone in the squad and the management are desperate to win this final game of the tour to make it a succesful tour returning home victorious.

"We have had three close defeats and it's our intention to turn that round on Wednesday and we are ready for the challenge the the Fiji Bati will place in front of us. We know what to expect from them after Saturday and we will be ready even though once again we will go into the game underdogs again."

The Squad: 1. Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East), 2.Danny Moss (Skirlaugh), 3.Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 4. Scott Lofthouse (Kells), 5. Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers), 6. Lee Gudor (Siddal), 7. Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts), 8. Richard Farrer (Egremont Rangers), 9. Stephen Illingworth (West Bowling), 10. Aaron Bradley (Hull Dockers), 11. Sean Foster (Wigan St Cuthberts), 12 Tony Suffolk (Wigan St Patricks), 13. Tom Hill (York Acorn). Substitutes: 14. Brett Waller (Skirlaugh), 15. Aaron Fewlass (Myton Warriors), 16. Sam Radford (West Hull), 17. James Craven
(Thornhill Trojans), 18. Ben Kendall (Thornhill Trojans), 19. Gary
Phillips (Wigan St Patricks), 20. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers).

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager

<b>FIJI BATI 30
BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS 26</b>
<i>Steve Manning at Churchill Park, Lautoka, Fiji</i>
In the final game of the Unison Tour of the South Pacific 2009 The BARLA Great Britain Lions went down to their fourth consecutive defeat of their five match tour as the twelve man Vodafone Fiji Bati held on for another close win to record a 2-0 Test Series win.
Again it was a case of so near yet so far, as the Lions took an 8-0 lead only to be hit by three converted tries in a six minute period to lead 18-8 win which they stretched to 24-8 following a second interception try.
The Lions came battling back through a genuine hat-trick by Scott Lofthouse (Kells) who put in a man of the match performance and was later named as the Ravensport International Player of the Tour. The Lions twice got within four points of Fiji but with the crowd screaming for the whistle the Lions once again ran out of time.
The record for the tour will show one win four losses but such has been the margins of defeat that they have only lost by an aggregate of fourteen points having lost three games (including this game) by four points and one by two points. But the Lions squad, the youngest ever Open Age Squad with an average of twenty three can be proud of their efforts and will learn from their experience overseas.
Ironically the Lions have helped immensely with their continuing development work on this tour which is a sad enditement of the Southern Hemisphere giants Australia and New Zealand who have never sent a representative side to Tonga, Samoa or Fiji.
The Lions suffered a late pre match injury to Sam Radford (West Hull), and Dean Balmer (Leigh Miners Rangers) was drafted in and in the opening ten seconds of the game stand off Lee Gudor (Siddal) who had recovered from a dead leg to his right leg suffered the same injury again following his tackle but this time to his left.
He battled on until the 24th minute when he had to be replaced and was unable to return to the field which proved a costly blow to the side. Up to that period both he and the side had played brilliantly as they gained the momentum with several of his well placed kicks and the forwards dominated territory and possession as a result . If being critical the side should have had a bigger lead that there play deserved but credit the Fiji defence.
The Lions took a fourth minute lead following a Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts) after a high hit on forward Tony Suffolk (Wigan St Patricks) on the fifth tackle.
On the next attack a Gudor 40/20 set the Lions up and winger Danny Moss (Skirlaugh) narrowly failed to get to Gudors chip on the last tackle. On 12 minutes he put a grubber in forcing a Fiji drop out but they held out.
The Lions then got the try they deserved on 17 minutes as they made a break down the short side 40 meters out started by Suffolk.. He made great yards before passing outside to Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers) whose inside pass found Lofthouse who cut inside, through a gap to score by the posts. Dallimore added the extras but could do the same with a penalty attempt from the halfway line seven minutes later.
Appearing in complete disarray Fiji failed to find touch with a penalty that Brennan rose high to take but the Lions then gave away a penalty on 27th minutes and all of a sudden Fiji clicked big time and Lions didn't touch the ball for nearly ten minutes.
Fiji ran the ball half backs Epeli Soro and Kaliova Tani moved the ball quickly down the right flank before releasing it to Josateki Ravueta and with a sudden surge of speed went 70 meters down the wing before cutting in to score under the posts and Nemani Suguturaga added the first of his four goals to get the score back to 8-6.
On their next attack Fiji attacked down the same side causing panic in the Lions ranks and they somehow managed to keep the ball alive before skipper Iowane Divaves went in for a six pointer and they showed their handling skills again on 33 minutes to go downfield and saw Tani drive over from close range for a converted try. Fiji were in complete control and led by ten points at the break.
The opening ten minutes was scrappy by both sides but following a Lions penalty on 51 minutes they were on the attack trying to claw their way. It looked that way as Dallimore found hooker Stephen Illingworth (West Bowling) but his long cut out pass was intercepted by Tani who went 80 meters under the post.
The Lions were struggling at this stage and the Fiji forwards began to control the game putting some huge hits in to ruffle the Lions and also resulting in conceding a number of penalties. The referees patients was up as the Lions attacked the Fiji line and on 62 minutes and Etika Rokobuli was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. From the penalty Dallimore and Ryan Fieldhouse combined for Lofthouse's second and a Dallimore touchline conversion.
The Lions sensed something and went for it and Fiji then went down to eleven men on 67 minutes after hooker Jope Tuivanuavou felled Lions skipper Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers) with a poor high shot.
The Lions attacked continuously and brought it back to four points on 73 minutes as Dallimore and Brennan fed Lofthouse for his treble. On the next set Illingworth chipped over the Fiji defence Dallimore chased the kick but Fiji appeared to knock on but got the ball back.
Three minutes later Fiji counter attacked and went 30-20 following a superb break down the middle and as the Lions tried to get back into line Seruvi Ralulu drove over by the posts and Malakai Tuiloa added the extras.
The Lions went for the short kick off and Brennan again leapt high for the ball and as they attacked Sean Foster (Wigan St Cuthberts) made a superb thirty meter break. He appeared to be wrapped up by three Fiji defenders but he somehow offloaded to Fieldhouse who delightfully skipped over to make it 30-26.
The Lions ran the ball from the restart but Fiji's just held firm once again leaving the Lions devastated against a Fiji side containing seven players from last years World Cup squad and including three who played in the tournament.

<b><u>FIJI BATI:</u></b> 1. Etuate Tagicakibau, 2. Esira Dokoni, 3. Josateki Ravueta, 4. Jone Wesele, 5. Jovilisi Tawake, 6. Kaliova Tani, 7. Epeli Soro, 8. Iowane Divavesi (Capt), 9. JopeTuivanuavou, 10. Timoci Yauvoli, 11. Rusiate Loloma, 12. Josua Koroibulu, 13. Eliki Ledua, 14. Malakai Tuiloa, 15. Viliame Tukano, 16. Apakuki Mata, 17. Asaeli Saravaki, 18. Seruvi Ralulu, 19. Etika Rokobuli, 20. Nemani Suguturaga.
Tries: Tani 2,Ravueta, Divaves, Ralulu
Goals: Suguturaga 4, Tuiloa
<b><u>BARLA GB LIONS :</u></b> 1. Ryan Fieldhouse(Leigh East), 2. Danny Moss (Skirlaugh), 3. Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 4. Scott Lofthouse (Kells), 5. Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers), 6. Lee Gudor (Siddal), 7. Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts), 8. Richard Farrer (Egremont Rangers), 9. Stephen Illingworth (West Bowling), 10. Aaron Bradley (Hull Dockers), 11. Sean Foster (Wigan St Cuthberts), 12 Tony Suffolk (Wigan St Patricks), 13. Tom Hill (York Acorn). Substitutes: 14. Brett Waller (Skirlaugh), 15. Aaron Fewlass (Myton Warriors), 16. Sam Radford (West Hull), 17. James Craven (Thornhill Trojans), 18. Ben Kendall (Thornhill Trojans), 19. Gary Phillips (Wigan St Patricks), 20. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers).
Tries: Lofthouse 3, Fieldhouse
Goals: Dallimore 5
Half-Time: 8 - 4
Referee: Laurence McDonnell (NSW, Australia)
Attendance: Est 5,000
Weather: Dull & Humid

BARLA Great Britain Lions Head Coach John Fieldhouse,
"I'm in a state of shock at the moment and I was thinking that we were going to win that game but from looking very composed and in control leading 8-0 we just shot ourselves in the foot again. We couldn't defend on our right hand side and Fiji scored three tries from three sets.
"We talked about it at the break got them back into place and into shape with a few positional changes and as we are on the attack they intercept and it's 24-8. I was thinking we'll finish the game out but all of a sudden the boys decided to play rugby and began sticking to the game plan again as we did for the opening twenty five minutes, completing our sets varied kicking game and the side were hungry for it.
"We got so near yet so far, five games one victory, four defeats but for a total of fourteen points. I think we would have probably settled for that if someone had said that at the beginning of the tour of the South Pacific. To not get that second victory is heartbreaking and all the lads are really really upset with tears in their eyes.
"I'm gutted for them as well as myself and I think we deserved a second victory on the back of those two performances against the Fiji Bati. We have got better and better as the tour as gone on playing some outstanding rugby league .
"The only thing that has beaten us is experience we haven't got enough experience in the team to do the right things at the right time when you get a lead and then control the game and finish it off. I'll take this as a learning curve with twenty one of the twenty eight squad under 24 yrs of age so i have got a lot to work with and a lot of building to do and as long as these guys are willing to work I'll work twice as hard with them.
"Scott Lofthouse has had a great tour and worked hard in all his games and finished as top try scorer. He has given everything and thoroughly deserves to have been named as the Ravensport International Player of the Tour."
BARLA Great Britain Lions International Manager Mick Turner
"I'm dissapointed to lose the game after another fantastic spectacle of rugby league and its been fantastic for the development of the game in Fiji. This tour has done really well for the developing nations in the South Pacific although its a big shame that the lads once again didn't get the win their efforts deserved. I take my hat off to the whole squad they have played so well throughout the tour.
"We had a ten minute period when Fiji came out strong and we found ourselves playing catch up after controlling the game. We were unlucky not to score at the end and don't deserve one win and four defeats at the end of this tour but we saved our best performance for the last game and it is very hard to take.
"Scott Lofthouse scored a hat-trick today and has seen superb throughout the tour and has seen
named as the Ravensport International Player of the Tour."
Ravensport International Player of the Tour Scott Lofthouse
"We just had a bad ten minutes in the game really when we conceded those three tries really when we led 8-0. But we came back and showed what a good side we are but it wasn't enough.
"I scored the hat-trick and was in the right place at the right time but I would have preferred to win the game than score the hat-trick it doesn't mean anything when you lose. Later on I may reflect on it but we deserved more as a team

"I'm pleased to have won the award but I didn't think about it as we set out on the tour three weeks ago. It's all about the team and I don't think the results reflect how we have played and what we have achieved on this tour. It's been a fantastic journey and experience for all of us."

<i>Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager </i>

LUCKLESS LIONS FAIL IN GLORIOUS FIGHTBACK


MATCH REPORT
by
Steve Manning

Churchill Park, Lautoka

FIJI BATI 30
BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS 26

In the final game of the Unison Tour of the South Pacific 2009 The BARLA
Great Britain Lions went down to their fourth consecutive defeat of their
five match tour as the twelve man Vodaphone Fiji Bati held on for another
close win to record a 2-0 Test Series win.

Again it was a case of so near yet so far, as the Lions took an 8-0 lead
only to be hit by three converted tries in a six minute period to lead
18-8 win which they stretched to 24-8 following a second interception
try.

The Lions came battling back through a genuine hat-trick by Scott
Lofthouse (Kells) who put in a man of the match performance and was later
named as the Ravensport International Player of the Tour. The Lions twice
got within four points of Fiji but with the crowd screaming for the
whistle the Lions once again ran out of time.

The record for the tour will show one win four losses but such has been
the margins of defeat that they have only lost by an aggreagate of
fourteen points having lost three games (including this game) by four
points and one by two points. But the Lions squad, the youngest ever Open
Age Squad with an average of twenty three can be proud of their efforts
and will leaan from their experience overseas.

Ironically the Lions have helped immensly with their continuing
development work on this tour which is a sad enditement of the Southern
Hemisphere giants Australia and New Zealand who have never sent a
representative side to Tonga, Samoa or Fiji..

The Lions suffered a late pre match injury to Sam Radford (West Hull), and
Dean Balmer (Leigh Miners Rangers) was drafted in and in the opening ten
seconds of the game stand off Lee Gudor (Siddal) who had recoverd from a
dead legt to his right leg suffered the same injury again following his
tackle but this time to his left.

He battled on until the 24 th minute when he had to be replaced and was
unable to return to the field which proved a costly blow to the side. Up
to that period both he and the side had played brilliantly as they gained
the momentum with several of his well placed kicks and the forwards
dominated territory and possession as a result . If being critical the
side should have had a bigger lead that there play deserved but credit the
Fiji defence.

The Lions took a fourth minute lead following a Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St
Cuthberts) after a high hit on forward Tony Suffolk (Wigan St Patricks) on
the fifth tackle.

On the next attack a Gudor 40/20 set the Liopns up and winger Danny Moss
(Skirlaugh) narrowly falied to get to Gudors chip on the last tackle. On
12 mniutes he put a grubber in forcing a Fiji drop out but they held out.

The Lions then got the try they deserved on 17 minutes as they made a
break down the short side 40 meters out started by Suffolk.. He made great
yards before passing outside to Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers) whose
inside pass found Lofthouse who cut inside, through a gap to score by the
posts. Dallimore added the extras but could do the same with a penalty
attempt from the halfway line seven minutes later.

Appearing in complete dissaray Fiji frailed to find touch with a penalty
that Brennan rose high to take but the Lions then gave away a penalty on
27th minutes and all of a sudden Fiji clicked big time and Lions didn't
touch the ball for nearly ten minutes.

Fiji ran the ball half backs Epeli Soro and Kaliova Tani moved the ball
quickly down the right flank before releasing it to Josateki Ravueta and
with a sudden surge of speed went 70 mmeters down the wing before cutting
in to score under the posts and Nemani Suguturaga added the first of his
four goalsto get the score back to 8-6.

On their next attack Fiji attacked down the same side causing panic in the
Lions ranks and they somehow managed to keep the ball alive before skipper
Iowane Divaves went in for a six pointer and they showed their handling
skills again on 33 minutes to go downfield and saw Tani drive over from
close range for a converted try. Fiji were in complete control and led by
ten points at the break.

The opening ten minutes was scrappy by both sides but following a Lions
penalty on 51 minutes they were on the attack trying to claw their way. It
looked that way as Dallimore found hooker Stephen Illingworth (West
Bowling) but his long cut out pass was intercepted by Tani who went 80
meters under the post.

The Lions were struggling at this stage and the Fiji forwards began to
control the game putting some huge hits in to ruffle the Lions and also
resulting in conceeding a number of penalties. The referees patients was
up as the Lions attacked the Fiji line and on 62 minutes and Etika
Rokobuli was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul. From the penalty
Dallimore and Ryan Fieldhouse combined for Lofthouse's second and a
Dallimore touchline conversion.

The Lions sensed something and went for it and Fiji then went down to
eleven men on 67 minutes after hooker Jope Tuivanuavou felled Lions
skipper Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers) with a poor high shot.

The Lions attacked continously and brought it back to four points on 73
minutes as Dallimore and Brennan fed Lofthouse for his treble. On the next
set Illingworth chipped over the Fiji defence Dallimore chased the kick
but Fiji appeared to knock on but got the ball back.

Three minutes later Fiji counter attacked and went 30-20 following a
superb break down the middle and as the Lions tried to get back into line
Seruvi Ralulu drove over by the posts and Malakai Tuiloa added the extras.

The Lions went for the short kick off and Brennan again lept high for the
ball and as they attacked Sean Foster (Wigan St Cuthberts) made a superb
thirty meter break. He appeared to be wrapped up by three Fiji defenders
but he somehow offloaded to Fieldhouse who delightfully skipped over to
make it 30-26.

The Lions ran the ball from the restart but Fiji's just held firm once
again leaving the Lions devasted against a Fiji side containg seven
players from last years World Cup squad and including three who played in
the tournament.

FIJI BATI: 1. Etuate Tagicakibau, 2. Esira Dokoni, 3. Josateki Ravueta, 4.
Jone Wesele, 5. Jovilisi Tawake, 6. Kaliova Tani, 7. Epeli Soro, 8. Iowane
Divavesi (Capt), 9. JopeTuivanuavou, 10. Timoci Yauvoli, 11. Rusiate Loloma, 12. Josua Koroibulu, 13. Eliki Ledua, 14. Malakai Tuiloa, 15. Viliame Tukano, 16.
Apakuki Mata, 17. Asaeli Saravaki, 18. Seruvi Ralulu, 19. Etika Rokobuli,
20. Nemani Suguturaga.

Tries: Tani 2,Ravueta, Divaves, Ralulu

Goals: Suguturaga 4, Tuiloa

1. Ryan Fieldhouse (Leigh East), 2.Danny Moss (Skirlaugh), 3.Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers), 4. Scott Lofthouse (Kells), 5. Leon Brennan (Leigh Miners Rangers), 6. Lee
Gudor (Siddal), 7. Jamie Dallimore (Wigan St Cuthberts), 8. Richard Farrer
(Egremont Rangers), 9. Stephen Illingworth (West Bowling), 10. Aaron Bradley (Hull Dockers), 11. Sean Foster (Wigan St Cuthberts), 12 Tony Suffolk (Wigan St Patricks), 13. Tom Hill (York Acorn). Substitutes: 14. Brett Waller (Skirlaugh), 15. Aaron Fewlass (Myton Warriors), 16. Sam Radford (West Hull), 17. James Craven (Thornhill Trojans), 18. Ben Kendall (Thornhill Trojans), 19. Gary Phillips (Wigan St Patricks), 20. Luke Varley (Castleford Panthers).

Tries: Lofthouse 3, Fieldhouse

Goals: Dallimore 5

Half-Time: 8-4

Referee: Laurence McDonnell (NSW, Australia)

Attendance: Est 5,000

Weather:Dull & Humid

BARLA Great Britain Lions Head Coach John Fieldhouse:

"I'm in a state of shock at the moment and I was thinking that we were
going to win that game but from looking very composed and in control
leading 8-0 we just shot ourselves in the foot again. We couldn't defend
on our right hand side and Fiji scored three tries from three sets.

"We talked about it at the break got them back into place and into shape
with a few positional changes and as we are on the attack they intercept
and it's 24-8. I was thinking we'll finish the game out but all of a
sudden the boys decided to play rugby and began sticking to the game plan
again as we did for the opening twenty five minutes, completing our sets
varied kicking game and the side were hungry for it.

"We got so near yet so far, five games one victory, four defeats but for a
total of fourteen points. I think we would have probably settled for that
if someone had said that at the beginning of the tour of the South
Pacific. To not get that second victory is heartbreaking and all the lads
are really really upset with tears in their eyes.

"I'm gutted for them as well as myself and I think we deserved a second
victory on the back of those two performances against the Fiji Bati. We
have got better and better as the tour as gone on playing some outstanding
rugby league .

"The only thing that has beaten us is experience we haven't got enough
experience in the team to do the right things at the right time when you
get a lead and then control the game and finish it off. I'll take this as
a learning curve with twenty one of the twenty eight squad under 24 yrs of
age so i have got a lot to work with and a lot of building to do and as
long as these guys are willing to work I'll work twice as hard with them.

"Scott Lofthouse has had a great tour and worked hard in all his games
and finished as top try scorer. He has given everything and thoroughly
deserves to have been named as the Ravensport Internationall Player of the
Tour."

BARLA Great Britain Lions International Manager Mick Turner:

"I'm dissapointed to lose the game after another fantastic spectacle of rugby league and its been fantastic for the development of the game in Fiji This tour has done really well for the developing nations in the South Pacific although its a big shame that the lads once again didn't get the win their efforts deserved. I take my hat off to the whole squad they have played so well throughout the tour."

"We had a ten minute period when Fiji came out sstrong and we found ourselves playing catch up after controlling the game. We were unlucky not to score at the end and don't deserve one win and four defeats at the end of this tour but we saved our best performance for the last game and it is very hard to take."

"Scott Lofthouse scored a hat-trick today and has been superb throughout the tour and has seen been named as the Ravensport International Player of the Tour."

Ravensport International Player of the Tour Scott Lofthouse:

"We just had a bad ten minutes in the game really when we conceded those three tries really when we led 8-0. But we came back and showed what a good side we are but it wasn't enough.

"I scored the hat-trick and was in the right place at the right time but I would have preferred to win the game than score the hat-trick it doesn't mean anything when you lose. Later on I may reflect on it but we deserved more as a team

"I'm pleased to have won the award but I didn't think about it as we set out on the tour thrre weeks ago. It's all about the team and I don't think the results reflect how we have played and what we have achieved on this tour. It's been a fantastic journey and experience for all of us."

Steve Manning
BARLA PRO & Media Manager