Britain won its first rugby league match in Australia in 14 years Saturday, beating the home side 23-12 to all but clinch a spot in the Tri-Nations tournament final.
The win was sealed by a Gareth Raynor try three minutes from fulltime before halfback Sean Long, who had a strong game for the visitors, kicked a field goal in the final minutes.
Australia leads the competition with four points from three matches and has already earned a spot in the final.
Britain has two points after two games and can clinch a spot in the Nov. 25 final with a win next Saturday against New Zealand in Wellington.
New Zealand, with no points, was docked two competition points for a player eligibility infraction despite beating Britain 18-14 last week.
Britain had territorial dominance early before Australia scored a length-of-the-field try against the run of play when Ben Hornby grabbed a pass from Long on his own tryline and sent Greg Inglis away. The visitors came back immediately when Long dummied his way through to put Paul Wellens over for a try and tie the match at halftime.
Lions captain Jamie Peacock carried four defenders over the line as he put Britain ahead for the first time at 12-6 early in the second half. Australia threatened to tie it in the next two minutes, but Willie Mason dropped a pass from skipper Darren Lockyer with only Wellens between him and the tryline.
``It took a great performance to win,'' said Britain's Leon Pryce. ``They are recognized as the best in the world, so to beat them is very special.''
Australian captain Darren Lockyer said his side made too many mistakes.
``We made some errors at some crucial areas of the game,'' said Lockyer. ``In the end that's what killed us. But they were a committed side and they played really well.''
Australian coach Ricky Stuart agreed.
``A lot of people were writing them off,'' Stuart said of Britain. ``They have a lot of pride in their jumper, a lot of pride in their nation ... that's the way they played tonight.''
Britain coach Brian Noble praised Long.
``He's been much maligned at international level and I think he's cured that tonight,'' Noble said.
``Everybody can focus on the intercept he threw. But he went and made the next try and he made another one and found a half-decent kicking game which was pleasing for him.''
