Wolfhounds devour Serbia

Ireland 82 Serbia 0

Ireland used their World Cup experience to put Serbia to the sword in their opening pool match of the rugbyleague.com European Cup in Tullamore.

The Wolfhounds led 46-0 at the break and kept up the point-a-minute barrage to the final whistle, finishing with 14 tries, four of them from Salford full-back Karl Fitzpatrick.

Coach Andy Kelly said: “We’ve not had a long period of preparation but I am pleased with how we performed and how cohesive we looked on the field.

“Going forward the focus will be on cohesion, consistency and a willingness to work for each other as a team.”

Hooker Bob Beswick and man of the match Stevie Gibbons were at the heart of their fluent moves as Ireland made a blistering start with five tries in the opening quarter to take an unassailable lead.

Dublin City Exiles’ debutant John Coleman scored the opening try and others came from Tim Bergin (2), Luke Ambler (2), Liam Finn, Dave Allen, Sean Hesketh, Liam Harrison and Brendan Guilfoyle.

Finn kicked nine goals and Hesketh four.