France 6 England 36: Wayne Bennett’s men set up Rugby League World Cup quarter-final against Papua New Guinea
Gareth Widdop excelled for the Three Lions as they keep hope of glory alive Down Under
JERMAINE McGILLVARY made headlines for the right reasons as England made it two wins in a row.
The Huddersfield winger found himself at the centre of a biting allegation by Lebanon’s Robbie Farah after their last group game.
A judiciary panel took just three minutes to clear him on Wednesday, with him describing the claims as ‘outrageous’.
But he shrugged off any cloud that may have been hanging over him by scoring two of England’s tries in a comfortable seven try victory.
It would not be England if there was not that nagging doubt in the back of your mind. They could not cock it up, could they?
Fortunately, any fears were proved fanciful as Bennett’s men demolished the French, racking up almost a point a minute in the opening quarter.
Widdop, who told SunSport that he had forgotten what playing full-back was like, starred in the number one role.
But as well as touching down the opener, he sent Mark Percival over.
In fact, Luke Gale would have had a try had referee Phil Bentham not got in his way – with James Graham jokingly claiming it should be an eight-point try!
The prop later crossed over after Stefan Ratchford, in the unfamiliar role of left winger, went over. John Bateman increased the lead.
Ben Garcia’s effort would not have pleased coach Wayne Bennett, despite the big lead, but McGillvary’s score at least cancelled that out.
The Huddersfield man went close to creating another but Mike McMeeken’s pass went down.
Lucas Albert saw a try chalked off for a forward pass before McGillvary squeezed down his second at the corner.
Widdop kicked four goals.
Now it is Papua New Guinea in the quarter-finals in Melbourne next Sunday in the next step of England’s bid for World Cup glory.
