rugby league

SCOTLAND 12 WALES 50

An astonishing 50-point turnaround ensured that European Champions Wales remain on course to defend their trophy and qualify for the 2021 World Cup.

Trailing 12-0 after only eight minutes – the Bravehearts getting off to a near faultless start – John Kear’s men clawed their way back into the contest by the break, behind by only four points.

They totally dominated the second half, running in seven unanswered tries including a hattrick for winger Rhys Williams who extended his record as the nations’ leading try poacher.

Superbly led by prop Dan Fleming, who played the full 80 minutes, skipper Elliot Kear was the catalyst for the Welsh revival, the Dragons overcoming indiscipline in the opening 40 which saw them 6-1 behind on the penalty count.

The Bravehearts, with Edinburgh Eagle Craig Robertson on debut and Oliver Wilkes playing his 499th career game after a five-year absence from the Scottish squad, delighted the passionate Gala crowd in the opening exchanges.

Recalled James Bell, who was a handful throughout, made space for Murray Mitchell and he sent Davey Dixon over for a debut try; Ryan Brierley converting.

Soon after, Bell crashed over from a delightful no-look pass by Kane Bentley, Brierley with the extras but few at Netherdale would have imagined that would be the end of the home scoring.

Scotland now fall into next year’s final Euro qualifiers if they are to make the 2021 World Cup.