Gildart caps debut with winner
Just over two weeks ago, Oliver Gildart was preparing for Wigan’s Grand Final against Warrington at Old Trafford and packing a suitcase in readiness for Papua New Guinea.
The 22-year-old centre had been included in the second-tier England Knights squad for their two-match tour against the Kumuls. Then, in Grand Final week, his phone went.
It was Jamie Peacock, England’s team manager, informing him he had been elevated to the senior side for the three-match Test series against New Zealand after Sam Burgess pulled out through injury.
Wigan won the Super League title a few days later and Gildart, confidence flooding through his veins, was handed his international debut yesterday. Only in his wildest dreams could he have foreseen he would go on to score a glorious match-winning try with just 13 minutes remaining.
But sometimes in life you get what you deserve and Gildart’s scintillating effort not only underlined his talent but capped an England performance full of courage and guts.
Collecting a deft pass from John Bateman inside the right channel, he showed pace and strength to embark on a searing 50-metre run which took him past New Zealand full-back Dallin Watene-Zelezniak and second-rower Isaac Liu en route to the line.
Coach Wayne Bennett said: “They’re a great group of guys and we didn’t have a bad player today. England should be really proud.”
Bennett was missing 10 players who featured in last year’s World Cup final defeat by Australia, eight through injury and two more due to retirement.
And as early as the 15th minute, captain Sean O’Loughlin was forced off with a calf problem and did not return. Yet England fought hard against a Kiwis side who had beaten world champions Australia a fortnight earlier.
Sam Tomkins scampered over the line to put England in front before New Zealand responded with a well-worked score from centre Esan Marsters.
They edged in front when Wateve-Zelezniak raced clear to score in the corner before Jake Connor was denied a certain try by the New Zealand captain on the stroke of half-time. England were awarded a penalty try and, after a tight second half, Gildart’s match-winning moment finally came.
Every England supporter rose to acclaim Gildart, who beat his chest in celebration, knowing he had truly arrived on the international scene. He said: “To score the winning try was unbelievable. I just backed myself, saw a bit of space and luckily got over.”