GB Student Pioneers have returned from a successful tour to Montenegro. On the pitch they defeated a Balkan XIII 36-6 and the Montenegro national side 62-6, both at the FC Arsenal Stadium in Tivat, but as with all their fifteen tours to development areas, the visit offered so much more than what happened on the field.

Montenegro Rugby League national team coach, Brett Davidson, commented: “What the Pioneers are doing is an amazing opportunity for developing RL countries. Getting the chance to play and experience another level is how we grow, and also shows where we want to be.

“The GB guys have been an absolute pleasure to host, great connections and friendships have been made and I highly recommend any developing country get in contact with them, a respectful, knowledgeable and genuine group of young men looking to help grow the game abroad.”

Of the match, Davidson said: “Our boys did it tough in the opening half adjusting to the level of play, but the resilience they showed in the second to hold it together was the most pleasing, we made some huge steps during this game personally and mentally, and I couldn’t be prouder of the character shown by everyone that took the field.

“We will now strive to get the game into schools and work on the development of youth and the domestic teams throughout the region, while hopefully looking to host more internationals, friendlies and tourism games in this beautiful country.”

GB Pioneers manager, Keith Sandhu, noted: “We have had a great time in Montenegro, the hosts have been fantastic. We have done some great work in the some of the local schools and hopefully we will leave a legacy behind.

“In addition, there were some fantastic meetings with the ministers of sport and local mayor in Tivat which I am hoping will support the future growth of rugby league in the country. The game was a great way to end an amazing tour.”

Both match videos are on the Montenegro Rugby League Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rugbylfmontenegro

MONTENEGRO 6
Milos Dasic, Bojan Mizdalo, Sava Portic, Nermin Kovacevic, Ilija Ivanović, Aleksandar Mecikukic, Nikola Vasic, Redzep Baljaj, Vladislav Dedic, Ratko Jurisic, Balsa Zarkovic, Srdjan Popovic, Elvis Cenaj. 
Subs: Danilo Kosanovic, Jovan Petrovic, James Cullen, Igor Adzaip

Try: V. Dedic (42)
Goal: Popovic 1/1

GB PIONEERS 62
Niam O’Grady, Max Hammell, Eli Weekes, Harry Worsley, Bailey Russell, Jack Bennett, Tommy Gibbs, Adam Kirby, Toby Harrison, Joe Brittain, Jack Hunter, Finn Fitzgerald, Lucas Green
Subs: Sydney Butcher, Ed Wheeler, Jonah Brennan, Michael Colvin, Charlie Rudman, Eddie Nolan

Tries: Colvin (4), Gibbs (10, 20, 40), Hammell (16), Fitzgerald (24), Bennett (27), Brittain (33), Weekes (49), Russell (53), Hunter (56)
Goals: Hammell 9/11

Referee: Nenad Zujic (Serbia)

Half time: 0-46