The reliable boot of Upper Hunter product Lachlan Walmsley enabled the Scotland Bravehearts to hang on for a thrilling 30-all draw against the Jamaica Reggae Warriors at the weekend.
The Merriwa Magpies junior, who also enjoyed stints in Group 21 and Newcastle Rugby League in past seasons, landed five goals on his debut in the international fixture.
Scotland looked in the box seat early, running out to a 30-10 lead just after half-time.
But, Jamaica had other ideas – piling on the points in the latter stages to wrap it all up in the 79th minute. Goalkicker Izaac Farrell then missed the crucial conversion attempt with seconds left on the clock.
The match ebbed and flowed, with both sides enjoying periods of dominance in a see-saw showdown.
The Reggae Warriors came out of the blocks firing, racing to a 10-0 advantage after a dummy-half try from Jymel Coleman and a Ben Jones-Bishop length of the field effort.
The Bravehearts’ rustiness in the opening stages soon faded, and a combination of completing sets and the impact of Charlie Emslie off the bench saw the visitors claw their way into the lead.
Emslie crashed over thanks to a flat pass by James Bell before Danny Addy sent Will Oakes on a simple run into the corner.
Walmsley piloted the ball through the uprights on both occasions.
Scotland’s tails were well and truly up, and it didn’t take long for them to double their margin.
Ben Hellewell reacted quickest to a loose ball after Oakes had kicked through before captain Dale Ferguson went in under the posts.
Again, Walmsley made no mistake, giving his team a commanding 24-10 lead at the break.
The Bravehearts’ momentum continued when Emslie thundered over for his second try immediately after the restart.
When Walmsley added the extras, Scotland led 30-10.
However, to Jamaica’s credit they fought back in impressive style.
The Reggae Warriors put the Scots under huge pressure and, despite some last-ditch defensive efforts, the visitors found their way over the line with a series of powerful finishes.
Mo Agoro and Jordan Andrade scored in quick succession before Jones-Bishop added his second.
Alex Brown powered over in the corner to level the game and complete the comeback.
“In the end, a draw was a fair reflection on the match,” Scotland coach Nathan Graham said.
“Both sides managed to capitalise when they were on top.
“Each team showed glimpses of what it was capable of and will hope today’s performance will give their World Cup opponents some headaches next year.”
Before the encounter, Walmsley – who is bound for the Halifax Panthers in 2022 – admitted he was “extremely proud” to represent the Bravehearts.
“I’ve had the goal of representing Scotland since being a young fella,” the 22-year-old told the Newcastle Weekly.
“It gives me a chance to impress the coaching staff for next year’s World Cup as that’s the main aim.
“But, to be able to represent my Scottish heritage for my family… that makes me prouder than ever.”
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