By Brian Lowe, (Photo Credit: Canada Rugby League Association)
A hat-trick by Canadian national team rookie Ethan Langs has helped propel the Wolverines to a dominating 54-6 win against Serbia A Wednesday in Belgrade.
On an overcast afternoon in the Serbian capital, Canada ran in a total of 10 tries as they chalked up their second win from as many games on their history-making dual tour.
The Canadians led 28-0 at halftime as they outplayed their hosts in almost every facet of the game.
According to head coach Ben Fleming, the Wolverines were strong in defence, especially in the first half, against a team that was much more experienced and stronger then the Bosnian side they had faced last Saturday, and the experienced halves of Ash Calvert and Brad Austin had the ball on a string.
In the second half, a tussle ensued with multiple penalties and defensive lapses that allowed Serbia to score their only try of the game.
Despite Serbia’s attacking momentum in the last half of the game, Canada’s relentless defensive pressures prevented the home side from scoring anymore points.
Canadian captain Scyler Dumas was happy with result and is looking ahead, “While I thought the boys really came together in this game, over the next two days we will be continuing to amp for the final game on Saturday.”
Wolverines’ try-scorers included Langs (3), Dumas (2), Charles Curran, Emil Borggren, Brad Austin, Jordon Henry and Ash Calvert.
Austin kicked five goals, while added two more to round out Canada’s scoring.
The Wolverines’ tour wraps up with a match against a stronger Serbian Rugby League team on Saturday in Belgrade.
And the Canadian national women’s team the Ravens also conclude their half of the dual tour with the second international against the Serbian women’s team.
