Yorkshire Lionhearts spoiled Stuart Wilkinsons debut at Serbian helm, as hosts got turnaround win against tourists 26-22 at Elmpark Way in York. It was spirited performance from Serbian touring side, eager to prove themselves in front of new national coach, but more experienced team eventually prevailed.
Wilkinson is given a hard task to mold a younger Serbian side, after a major setback and early elimination in World Cup 2021 Qualifiers last year. After only few days of English veteran coach inspired a great showing in the first of two matches against hosting Lionhearts.
We had a great start, even though we had only five days to work together. Unfortunately, we couldnt sustain the same level of play so we took a defeat. But we are happy with our performance, said Wilkinson after the game.
Serbia couldnt build on its first half performance and slim lead fast run away after the break. Lionhearts scored two converted unanswered tries that eventually made a difference, only to Serbia get consolation points late in the game. Opportunity for rematch will come fast, as Lionhearts will host Serbian tourist again on Wednesday in Leeds.
LIONHEARTS 26 (8) vs SERBIA 22 (12)
Tries: Mike Hayward, Will Milner, Chris Boyce, Jake Starbuck, Brad Cahill. Goals: Ste Hayes 3/5.
LIONHEARTS: Mike Hayward, Alex Bates, Callum Morsatkoyd, Ste Hayes, Stedhen Mountain, Will Milner, Chris Boyce, Xavier Martin, Scott Smith, Conor Wick, Louis Silkstone, Sean Malarkey, Jake Starbuck. Subs: Brad Cahill, Keiron Hainswerth, Lee Land, Nick Bardwine, Danny Hunter.
Tries: Predrag Keglic, Stevan Stevanovic, Aleksandar Djordjevic, Milos Zogovic. Goals: Milos Zogovic 3/4.
SERBIA: Milos Zogovic, Ilija Krstic, Aleksandar Djordjevic, Petar Milanovic, Dragan Jankovic, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Djordje Stosic, Lazar Zivkovic, Vladislav Dedic, Milos Calic, Stefan Nedeljkovic, Predrag Keglic, Stevan Stevanovic. Subs: Mihajlo Jovic, Dusan Milutinovic, Nikola Srbljanin, Nikola Djuric, Mihajlo Stoiljkovic.
Venue Heworth ARLFC, Elmpark Way. Referees: Elis MacCarly, Thomas MacKay, Scott Fernandey. Shin bin: Predrag Keglic (Serbia).
