DANNY Kilshaw masterminded one of BARLA's greatest-ever victories when the touring Lions toppled a full-strength France to set up a Victory Cup Final showdown with hosts Russia.

The Leigh East half-back walked away with the man of the match award as the Great Britain Lions fully deserved their 23-16 win in Moscow.

Kilshaw was outstanding both in defence and attack. The entire back three of the GB side was made up of Leigh internationals; skipper Tommy Goulden and club mate Dave Patterson and another East reprentative, Leigh Wingfield.

Patterson (2) and Goulden scored tries in GB's 26-12 win over New Zealand Defence Forces in the earlier round.

The Irish team with Stephen Clark (Leigh Miners), Liam McCarthy (Leigh East) and Stephen Flannery (Leigh Miners) hammered the USA 74-16 in the first game but then were themselves overwhelmed 64-6 by Russia.