WHEELCHAIR WORLD CUP ROUND 1 – WALES 24 AUSTRALIA 72

Australia avenged their double defeat to Wales in the 2013 Wheelchair World Cup, by inflicting a 72-24 victory over them in the first game of this year’s tournament.

It was a tough outing for Wales start, scoring in as early as the second minute with only a lone Gary Preece try giving them any score on the board in the first half.

Wales went into half-time 38-4 down and upped their performance in the second half as they went close to matching the Australians, scoring four more tries.

Mark Williams went over for a brace, Harry Jones also scored, whilst Andrew Higgins got a try and two goals.

Brad Grove claimed four tries for Australia, Stephan Rochecouste scored a hat-trick, William Derederenalagi scored twice with Jason Attard and Craig Cannane scoring one each. Diab Karim scored six goals with Fabian Castillo and Brett Henman also each notching four over the sticks.

Wales take on England on Saturday whilst Australia will face hosts, holders and favourites France. The French opened their World Cup account with a 71-31 mauling of England, whilst in Group B, Scotland were hammered 110-6 by Italy.

Wales team manager Mark Andrew Jones said: “We are back in training for our next game in Pamiers where we face England. Our second half against Australia was encouraging and we are aware that England will want to make good on this loss to France. We are in good spirits and are ready to give our all again against England.”

WALES: Mark Williams (Captain), Alan Caron, Claire Cranston, John Doyle, Andrew Higgins, Harry Jones, Gary Taylor, Stuart Williams (all North Wales Crusaders), Gary Preece (Hereford Harriers).

AUSTRALIA: Peter Arbuckle, Davin Bretherton (both Queensland), Jason Attard, Craig Cannane, Fabian Castillo, William Derederenalagi, Brad Grove, Brett Henman, Diab Karim, Stephan Rochecouste, Yara Ryan, Mitchel Stone (all New South Wales)