1988 Ashes Series Third Test – Australia 12 Great Britain 26
Ahead of the upcoming ABK Beer Ashes Series between England and Australia this autumn, we look back at famous fixtures between the sides – starting with the Third Ashes Test match in 1988.
On Saturday 9 July 1988, Great Britain Rugby League famously defeated Australia 12-26 at the Sydney Football Stadium in the Final Test of the Ashes Series.
This ended a 10-year losing streak over their Aussie rivals – and despite the Kangaroos having already sealed the Ashes that year, this remains one of Great Britain's most memorable victories over Australia.
It had been a tough Lions tour for Mal Reilly’s underdogs after the injuries and criticism they had received.
The Lions had their backs to the wall and a point to prove, and 15,000+ were in attendance as showman Henderson Gill crossed twice alongside tries from legends Martin Offiah, Phil Ford and Mike Gregory.
Gill would also go down in Rugby League folklore with a legendary celebration.
The first try of the match would go the way of Great Britain, who after a string of passes, managed to get the ball over to Martin Offiah in the corner.
And it wasn’t long before the Lions raced into a 10-0 lead as fullback Phil Ford danced his way through the Australian defence to dot down and shock the home crowd.
Australia did eventually hit back in the second half through their captain Wally Lewis, who powered his way over the whitewash, as he attempted to spark a comeback.
But Great Britain further extended their lead through Henderson Gill who dived on Andy Gregory’s kick that proved rather problematic for the Australian defence.
The fiercely fought contest continued as Sam Backo crashed over from close range, bringing Australia back within an unconverted score, 12-16.
But the Lions' roaring spirit did not wither – they were a team determined and one which kept in control, going on to strike through Gill’s second on the right wing.
It all started from Paul Loughlin’s stunning break, which saw Gill race 45 metres to score the decisive try and earn a place in rugby league immortality by doing, in the words of the Australian TV commentator, 'a bit of a boogie' to celebrate (see header image).
Great Britain then rounded off a tremendous performance with an iconic score from Mike Gregory, who took a bullet pass from Andy Gregory and ran the length of the field to give his side a formidable 12-26 lead.
As the hooter sounded, the travelling crowd were in raptures, with scenes of pure joy and emotion. This victory was something Great Britain had waited a very long time for.
Finally ending Australia’s dominance of a 15-game winning run, this fixture goes down in history as a memorable occasion and a significant turning point for the Lions.
Teams:
Australia: Garry Jack, Andrew Ettingshausen, Michael O’Connor, Peter Jackson, Tony Currie, Wally Lewis (c), Peter Sterlin, Martin Bella, Greg Conescu, Sam Backo, Wally Fullerton-Smith, Paul Vautin, Wayne Pearce, Subs: Gary Belcher, Bob Lindner
Head coach: Don Furner
Great Britain: Phil Ford, Henderson Gill, David Stephenson, Paul Loughlin, Martin Offiah, David Hulme, Andy Gregory, Kevin Ward, Paul Hulme, Hugh Waddell, Mike Gregory, Roy Powell, Ellery Hanley (c), Subs: Brian Case
Head coach: Malcolm Reilly
Half time: 6-10
Full time: 12-26
Venue: Sydney Football Stadium, Sydney Australia
Referee: Francis Deplas
Rivalries will be reignited when England take on Australia in the ABK Beer Rugby League Ashes this autumn. The two nations will meet in a three-match test series over 20 years in the making and with the second and third test completely SOLD OUT; Wembley Stadium on Saturday 25 October is your only place to watch this fierce rivalry live!
Book your Wembley tickets here with prices starting from just £20 for adults and £10 for U16’s.
