Part-timers' defence performs well against the Lions

COFFS HARBOUR - The British Lions scored a tough 46-3 win over a spirited New South Wales Country XV in Coffs Harbour yesterday.

The Lions ran in six tries, but struggled at times to crack the defence of the Country part-timers.

It took 26 minutes for the Lions to finally cross the line when England winger Ben Cohen scored against the run of play.

The Lions led 29-3 at halftime after Colin Charvis, Scott Gibbs and Austin Healey chalked up tries.

Welsh prop David Young barged over two minutes into the second half, but the Cockatoos held the Lions at bay for most of the spell. They almost scored themselves, but winger Warwick Crosby was collared by Healey just before the corner.

Cohen crossed for his second try in the 63rd minute, and Welsh first five-eighth Neil Jenkins finished with 16 points, from five conversions and two penalties.

Fullback Nathan Croft kicked Country's lone penalty goal.

Earlier, the Lions finally received some good news in the build-up to Saturday's first test, with hooker Keith Wood expected to be passed fit.

The Lions have already lost five players to injury and were deeply concerned about Wood after the Irish skipper injured his knee against New South Wales last Saturday.

But Lions manager Donal Lenihan said Wood was rapidly improving and the team's medical staff were now confident he would play in the opening test.

However, there are still concerns over England centre Will Greenwood, who injured his ankle against NSW.

Greenwood has already been ruled out of the first test because of ligament damage and was on crutches yesterday.

He has been allowed to stay on tour to see if he can recover in time for the second test in Melbourne on July 7.

"The swelling around his ankle is expected to go down during the next 48 hours, after which he will be further assessed," Lenihan said.

Replacement hooker Robin McBryde is making steady progress from a thigh injury, but was ruled out of yesterday's match.

British Lions 46 (Ben Cohen 2, Scott Gibbs, Colin Charvis, Austin Healey, David Young tries; Neil Jenkins 2 pen, 5 con) NSW Country 3 (Nathan Croft pen). Halftime: 29-3. Attendance: 10,000.

- AGENCIES