Jamaica had plenty to smile about despite going down to New Zealand 68-6 at the Rugby League World Cup on Saturday night (local time).
After struggling to qualify for the tournament over the past decade, the Reggae Warriors made their RLWC debut against Ireland last week in 48-2 defeat.
While Jamaica suffered another big loss against the Kiwis, they ended the match on a high note with Ben Jones-Bishop crossing for the country's first ever try at a Rugby League World Cup.
The Jamaican fullback pounced on a New Zealand error late in the game to prompt the biggest cheers and celebrations of the night.
🕮 History books are written.
— Rugby League World Cup 2021 (@RLWC2021) October 22, 2022
Ben Jones-Bishop scores the first try for Jamaica at a Rugby League World Cup. #RLWC2021 | @JAMRugbyLeague | @BBCSport | #NZLJAM pic.twitter.com/MH8X2HErfB
Jones-Bishop was a fitting try scorer for Jamaica with the 34-year-old playing in his 300th rugby league match.
"It's surreal really. 300 games in the World Cup, against New Zealand, it's great," Jones-Bishop said post-game.
"I'm just happy for the boys. I think we deserve something. I thought first half we really dug in there and showed some heart. I'm glad we've come away with a try.
"We've got things to build on, you're playing for a nation here that effort and hard work is a given.
"It meant a lot. I don't have many words. It's just a great feeling."
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Jamaica coach Romeo Monteith was delighted to see his side score their first try and stressed his hopes that this is just the start for the country as they look to become a RLWC regular.
"You couldn't have written a better script, except for a Jamaica win of course. But lovely of Ben to get that try, he had a brilliant game today at fullback despite the brilliance of New Zealand," Monteith said.
"I'm very happy for Ben, happy he's playing for Jamaica, happy he's helping the cause and we just keep building from here on.
"From day one when we started this project it was always about doing something special. Just being in the World Cup is very special to us and we've trying for years to get here. Two failed qualifying attempts and now that we're here, it's a dream come true.
"Now that we're here it's all about the boys going out there and doing their best. And like I said, today I saw a lift in the performance compared to the Ireland game."
Despite his side failing to keep out the Jamaicans, New Zealand coach Michael Maguire was delighted to see the nation make some history.
"Real credit to the Jamaicans, they've come together and we were actually able to spend some time with them a couple weeks ago in our warm-up match," Maguire said.
"So to see those guys go out and perform like the way they did with the passion - that try will go down in history now so good on them."
Jamaica will finish the tournament against Lebanon next Sunday.
