France held out for a dramatic one-point win over PNG at Craven Park after PNG fullback David Mead missed a kickable penalty goal in the last minute when France had been penalised for offside.
PNG had recovered from a two-point interval deficit with Josiah Abavu crossing for a try two minutes into the second half but, despite a lengthy period of pressure, they couldn’t add to their tally.
Thomas Bosc kicked a penalty with 20 minutes remaining to level and then man of the match William Barthau booted a field goal four minutes later.
Bosc snatched the first try of the match when he stepped through a static PNG defence. His conversion gave the French a six-point lead. PNG hit back with Bosam Nene McDonald touching down for an unconverted try in the right corner.
Full report and reaction in Monday’s League Express.
