The Scotland Bravehearts have finished the 2008 Rugby League World Cup in eighth position.

The Bravehearts entered the 10 team competition tipped by many to struggle on the international stage but coach Steve McCormack and his men had other ideas.

Their campaign ended at Browne Park, Rockhampton, on Saturday, November 8, in 30 degree temperatures with a 48-0 loss to Tonga – a country expected to push hard for at least the qualifying semi-finals with several quality NRL players in their squad.

Tonga’s win over Scotland saw them finish seventh and a cheque for $40,000.

Scotland takes home $35,000 for finishing eighth but more importantly, they have earned much more than the financial offerings.

Scotland has gained a tremendous amount of respect as an emerging rugby league country. The team, comprised of four NRL and a large majority of English Super League players, were very competitive in each of their pool games against France and Fiji.

Two disallowed tries at crucial stages of the France game saw them lose 36-18 before their biggest and most proudest moment came in their second match at Bluetongue Stadium, just three days ago.

Described as minnow and up against a red hot Fiji side who were tipped to steamroll them, the Bravehearts showed passion, courage and some fine skills to record an upset 18-16 win to record their first ever World Cup victory.

The victory saw them travel to Rockhampton the next day to play Tonga in a ranking game instead of Penrith, where many tipped them to play off for ninth or 10th position.

With just a short turn around from their win over Fiji win, it was always going to be a tough challenge for Scotland. It got harder too when captain and half-back Danny Brough was ruled out of the Tonga match with a left knee injury.

Hooker Ben Fisher was appointed captain but second-rower Duncan MacGillivray had the honour of leading the Scotland team out in his final career game before retiring.

He even had his own little fan club with a “Go Uncle Dunc’’ sign in the main grandstand.

Tonga opened the scoring in the third minute when half-back Eddie Paea put up a crossfield kick on the last tackle for five-eighth Feleti Mateo to outleap winger Wade Liddell to score near the posts. Winger Tony Williams converted the try for a 6-0 lead.

Five minutes later, Paea spotted a big gap to get on the outside of second-rower Iain Morrison to score. Williams converted the try for a 12-0 lead.

Scotland were denied a try in the 24th minute when a short pass from dummy half by hooker Ben Fisher to Morrison saw the ball raked out of his hand as he dived over the tryline. The Bravehearts received a penalty but dropped the ball on the next tackle.

Tonga went to a 16-0 lead when winger Etuate Waisele finished off a backline play to score in the corner.  Williams converted the try for an 18-0 lead after 30 minutes.

Scotland almost scored when Fisher stretched his arm out for the tryline only to lose control of the ball on the last tackle.

A loose pass by half-back John Duffy to Morrison saw Williams pick the ball up to race 80 metres to score under the posts in the 36th minute. Williams converted his own try for a 24-0 lead at half-time.

The size and strength of Williams made it 28-0 five minutes after the break. He converted his second try of the game for a 30-0 lead.

A crossfield kick by Mateo saw the ball spilt by Liddell in a contest only for Cooper Vuna to place his hands on the ball in-goal to score.  Williams converted for a 36-0 lead.

It became 40-0 when full-back Fetuli Talanoa crashed out wide. Paea converted the try for a 42-0 lead as a second drinks break was called. Centre Michael Jennings finished the tryscoring spree when he scored under the posts off a Paea pass. Forward Sam Moa kicked the goal for a 48-0 win.

Scotland may not have scored but as they have always done, continued to fight hard, not surrending once.

The sold out crowd of 5913 enjoyed their bravery and even when they were on the end of some crunching hits, got up and kept going to earn a standing ovation at the end of the game.

It will always be the Bravehearts way.

Source: Wayne Cousins

Scotland Rugby League
Appt 0/1, 15 Kidston Terrace
Crown Gardens
Glasgow, G5 0TG
Chairman - David McNeil

Telephone: Email: davidandfrancismcneil@sky.com Web: http://www.scotlandrl.com

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