COLONIAL CUP - GAME 2
Rugby League in Canada has received a massive boost with the Wolverines securing a stunning first-ever win over the USA in their Colonial Cup clash in Toronto.

Canada, for whom Matt Gleed was outstanding until forced off with injury, triumphed 18-16 in front of an ecstatic crowd, in a match televised on national television as part of the second annual Sports Day in Canada. It was their first success over their neighbours since matches started between them in 1993.

The decisive penalty for the hosts was kicked by 20 year old Harlequins second rower Louis Robinson after Canada led 12-6 at halftime and they eventually outscored the visitors by four tries to three. Louis Tulio, Michael Garvey and Ian Elliott crossed for the Tomahawks, Garvey converting two of the tries. For Canada, Danny Tupou and Robin Legault were their try-scorers.

"It felt great. Both sides played well," commented Canada Rugby League chairman Eric Perez. "It was a big step forward for us. We had a strong line up and home field advantage. Going into the game I was confident of winning the tie but maybe not the Cup - we're undefeated at home this summer."

Despite the loss, though, the USA retained the Colonial Cup on aggregate having won the first game 18-2 in Philadelphia last month.

"In the grand scheme of things it was a positive for us because we were able to use a whole bunch of different players," said Tomahawks coach David Niu. “In terms of [head coach] Matty Elliott's plan we're right on track for the 2013 RLWC Qualifiers, but essentially it was a game that we really should have won."

The win was only the second ever for Canada, their first coming against Jamaica in July. Next up for the Wolverines is a home game against South Africa on 9 October, while the Tomahawks now start focusing on the 2013 Rugby League World Cup Atlantic Qualifiers, to be played in Philadelphia next month.

The USA, South Africa and Jamaica will be vying for a spot in Pool D alongside Wales and Cook Islands at the 14-nation main tournament to be held in England and Wales.

Photo: www.colinwatsonphotography.com

CANADA 
Robin Legault, Tony Felix, Geoff Bylund, Christian Miller, Danny Tupou, Matt Wyles, Jamie Lester (c), Cam Grace, Chris Diamond, Enoch Wamalwa, Trent Hansen, Tyler Allen, Matt Gleed, Dale Fitzgerald, Henry Miers, Louis Robinson, Rob Autagavaia.

USA 
Louis Tulio, Ian Elliott, Michael Garvey, Fitz James Adams, Leslie Alvovili, Charlie Rizzo, Andrew Kneisley, Apple Pope (c), Kelly McGill, Salesi Tongamoa, Curtis Cunz, Sean Taylor, Joshua Rice, Jayson Rego, Mike Tuala, Xavier Lozinguez