World Footy News

The France Coqs have broken through for their first-ever 18-a-side international victory, defeating the East Timor Crocs by 109 points in the cold and wet at Blacktown International Sportspark today.

In a game which failed to reach great heights, the Coqs' relentless grind and better ability in the wet saw them grow a lead throughout the game, winning every quarter with captain Théis leading the way from the midfield.

The first quarter saw France start strongly, kicking two goals early in the match, before the Crocs kicked their first ever goal in IC-grade international footy. With neither team able to achieve any further majors before quarter time, both went into the first break with plenty of anticipation of a tough contest.

In the second quarter, the Crocs lost two players through injury, putting huge pressure on an already limited Timorese squad. The Coqs kicked away with a further three goals to half time, whilst holding East Timor scoreless and taking a 34-point lead into half time.

From there, the Coqs' greater numbers and intensity allowed them to tear the game apart, kicking 4 goals to East Timor's one in the third term, followed by 8 unanswered French majors in the final quarter.

France can now look forward to Saturday's match against India, for which they would now look to be favourites. East Timor will come up against the highly-fancied Fijians, which is tipped to be a continuation of the Crocs' baptism of fire in full-field footy.

France:
Goal kickers: Galiana 3, Zohah 2, Houvian 2, Labigang 2, Giner, Besnard, Mahamad, Patacq, Charlet, Bouron, Ivorra, Finnsson
Best players: Théis, Patacq, Ivorra, Mahammad, Trividic, Brehiere

Timor-Leste
Goal kickers: Ferreira 2
Best players: Carlos, Anitsel, Hakim, Adelio, Florindo, A.Ferreira