By David Williams
Wales coach John Kear declared himself pleased with his team’s victory over Jamaica as they warmed up with a 22-16 win ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifiers.
Kear’s men mounted an impressive comeback to secure victory in their first Test match in two years, at a rain-lashed Gnoll in Neath.
Jamaica, featuring a number of new faces, took an early 10-0 lead with tries from Ben Jones-Bishop and Alex Young.
However, as conditions deteriorated, Wales gradually turned the match in their favour.
Try number 23 in the red of Cymru for Rhys Williams 🐉
Watch live: https://t.co/N8YbX6ab4y@ticketpassHQ | @buffoon_media pic.twitter.com/bIvvrFlTDH
— Wales Rugby League (@WalesRugbyL) October 15, 2024
Wales’ all-time record cap holder, Rhys Williams, scored just before half-time to get his side on the scoreboard. In the second half, debutants Huw Worthington and Max Clarke both crossed the line to give Wales the upper hand.
Man of the match Gil Dudson and Matty Fozard added further tries, sealing victory for the home side.
Jamaica managed a late consolation try through Joshua Hudson-Lett, but Kear said: “We gave six debuts, got the lads together for some time and won in front of a good crowd so it’s a good night for us.
“It sets us up in a really positive state of mind for next week’s qualifiers.
“We couldn’t have played any worse in the first half but we looked after the ball better in the second half and kept thing simple because you just couldn’t play pretty football in those conditions.
We're all square at The Lextan Gnoll as we approach the final quarter of the match.
Watch live: https://t.co/N8YbX69Df0@ticketpassHQ | @buffoon_media | @ValleyBoyPics 📸 pic.twitter.com/pZyoYxRaVT
— Wales Rugby League (@WalesRugbyL) October 15, 2024
Despite the triumph, Wales’ win was overshadowed by an injury to back rower Bailey Antrobus, who is now in doubt for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in France.
Wales face Serbia in Carcassonne on Tuesday 22 October, with the winners facing the victors of France and Ukraine in a final that will be played on Saturday 26th October in Perpignan.
The successful nation will take a step closer to the 2026 World Cup in Australia by qualifying for the World Series in 2025.
The long road to the World Cup would then continue for Wales alongside Jamaica, South Africa and Cook Islands, with the top two from that competition heading to Australia in 2026’s Rugby League World Cup.
🙌 A textbook try from Foz to secure a 22-16 win over Jamaica for @WalesRugbyL! pic.twitter.com/dVjjroMuTE
— Widnes Vikings (@WidnesRL) October 15, 2024