GB COMMUNITY LIONS TOUR OF SERBIA

A superb first-half display was all Serbia could muster before succumbing to the GB Community Lions in Belgrade. When Jason Bowsley scored an unconverted third minute try the visitors could have been forgiven for thinking they were going to repeat the 70-point romp they enjoyed against Belgrade to open their tour.

But, there was to be no such capitulation from the Serb national side which defended their line rigorously. In the second -half, Serbia’s lack of fitness and some excellent rugby league from the Lions, prompted by outstanding Hunslet Warriors second row Caldon Bravo and man of the match Jordan Precious of Skirlaugh.

Radoslav Novakovic, Serbian Rugby League Federation Board Member, commented on the game: “On behalf of the Serbian Rugby League Federation I can say that that we are extremely pleased with the first half, with the fighting spirit and dedication of our players who did not give up until the very end of the game. In the summer we must improve the fitness and technical skills of all our national team players. We believe that a good level of fitness can compensate for the lack of technique of our players, who have not played the sport since youth.

“Since Lee Crooks’ arrival we have significantly improved our technical level and game awareness. Our players aren't in a position that over the next few months they’ll massively increase their technical skills, but we can massivley increase our fitness level, and that can make our team very strong.“