Last updated 11:48, Monday, 17 November 2008

ADE Gardner’s World Cup dream came to a crushing end on Saturday as England were knocked out in the semi-finals by New Zealand, writes PAUL TURNER.

NO TRY: Walneyite Ade Gardner puts a foot in touch in attempting to pull four points back for England in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Brisbane on Saturday AP PICTURE

The Walney flier started on the wing for Tony Smith’s side, despite not being named in the initial 19-man squad for the game, and endured a torrid time in defence as the Kiwis ran riot.

New Zealand eventually came out 32-22 victors in Brisbane to book a final place against Australia — 52-0 winners over Fiji in the other semi-final — but the scoreline could have been even more one-sided.

Gardner and the rest of the England back line were hammered by the Kiwis, with the former Barrow Raiders man having little opportunity to attack.

Having scored a brace of tries against Papua New Guinea in the competition’s opener three weeks ago, the closest the Walneyite came to a score was when he was knocked into touch in the corner.

He also failed to deal with a late high kick, gifting Benji Marshall the last of New Zealand’s six tries.

Gardner, Super League’s top try-scorer this season, will now return home ahead of the new season with St Helens.