MATCH REPORT: Clean sweep for Young Lions

Even the chilly Le Fevre evening failed to cool the enthusiasm of the fervent Great Britain supporters as the Young Lions tore apart the opposition.

With the series already won, Team GB boss Steve Mullinder made changes, handing debuts to Devon Campbell, Ben Clarke, Max Evans, Alex Harvey and Ciaran Wenn. Meanwhile, Australian junior manager, Bobby McMillan made changes of his own, bringing in debutants Josh Carden, Matt Hurley and Jacob Pudney, nephew of two-time world champion, Daniel Pudney.

Three early heat wins gave the visitors a comfortable lead and this was soon increased due to maximum scorelines from the Devon Campbell/Will Jeffery and Max Evans/Fraser
Garnett pairings just prior to the interval stage.

The hosts opened the second half with a well taken heat advantage by Todd Clarke and Michael Ratcliff but in turn this was negated when the powerful Campbell and Jeffrey duo outpaced Blade Blatchford.

With the hosts only providing two heat winners, the result was inevitable and Great Britain
made a clean sweep of the series by 100-74.  In conclusion, a superb event conducted in a sporting manner and a brilliant advert for the youth and future of our sport – pity its only every four years – but that could soon change.

AUSTRALIA 74
Blade Blatchford 8, Thomas Jansen 9, Michael Ratcliff 8, Todd Clarke 15, Matt Hurley 10, Aussie Jones 11, Jacob Putney 6, Josh Carden 7

GREAT BRITAIN 100
Alex Harvey 9, Brandon Whetton 16, Devon Campbell 17, Will Jeffery 18, Max Evans 18, Fraser Garnett 10, Ben Clarke 9, Ciaran Wenn 3