World Cup - 1970    Previous    Next

Details from "The Vault"

The fifth 'Rugby League World Cup was held in Great Britain in 1970. Britain, fresh from defeating Australia in the Ashes, were hot favourites, and won all three of their group stage games. All the other nations lost two games each, and Australia qualified for the final largely on the back of an impressive tally of points against New Zealand.

The final was held at Headingley, Leeds. Although Great Britain dominated the possession, the Kangaroos were able to exploit their chances, and ran out unexpected winners in a scrappy game.

Great Britain. Manager: J Harding. Coach: John Whiteley. Squad: Kevin Ashcroft (Leigh), John Atkinson (Leeds), Paul Charlton (Salford), Dave Chisnall (Leigh), Ray Dutton (Widnes), Tony Fisher (Bradford Northern/Leeds), Bob Haigh (Leeds), Dennis Hartley (Castleford), Keith Hepworth (Castleford), Chris Hesketh (Salford), Syd Hynes (Leeds), Keri Jones (Wigan), Doug Laughton (Wigan), Frank Myler (St Helens), Malcolm Reilly (Castleford), Mick Shoebottom (Leeds), Alan Smith (Leeds), Jim Thompson (Featherstone Rovers), Cliff Watson (St Helens).

World Cup Final, Saturday 7th November 1970.    Back to top

Australia 12

(John Cootes, Lionel Williamson tries; Eric Simms 2 goals; Eric Simms field goal)

Great Britain 7

(J Atkinson try; R Dutton goal; S Hynes field goal)

Headingley Leeds. Crowd: 18,776.

Referee: Fred Lindop (England).

Australia: Eric Simms; Lionel Williamson, John Cootes, Paul Sait, Mark Harris; Bob Fulton, Billy Smith; John O'Neill, Ron Turner, Bob O'Reilly, Bob McCarthy, Ron Costello, Ron Coote (c); Ray Branighan, Elwyn Walters.

Great Britain: Ray Dutton; Alan Smith, Syd Hynes, Frank Myler (c), John Atkinson; Mick Shoebottom, Keith Hepworth; Dennis Hartley, Tony Fisher, Cliff Watson, Jim Thompson, Doug Laughton, Malcolm Reilly; Chris Hesketh, Bob Haigh.

Known as "The Battle of Leeds", the Era of the Biff website has its own slant on this Final.

Courtesy: RL Progs