Georgian “A” rugby team won its third match of British tour and returns home with victory. It is the 9th victory since the establishment of the team (since 2009).
Goal of “A” team is to prepare candidates for the national team. Milton Haig, Zealander head coach of the national team, saw reserve of “The Lelos” with his eyes. Georgians beat “Esher” of England in two matches – 25:8, then Welsh Premiership team – 36:32. In the last match, Georgians played against North Wales’ team – RGC 1404 which is considered as the national team of the region.
Unlike the previous match which was held four days ago, there were some changes in the main staff. Giorgi Begadze showed up in back and midfield lines. He substituted injured Bidzina Samkharadze. Giorgi Kacharava which is No.9 played on the position of No.10. Irakli Gegenava was fly-half and Zurab Dzneladze was substitute. Beak Mekokishvili and Levan Chilachava were in the main staff of scrum’s first line. Davit Chitidze and Beka Bitsadze were in the second line and Giorgi Tkhilaishvili was in the third line. Kote Mikautadze, the second liner of “Toulon”, who beat rugby player of “Esher” in the first match received red card and has a 6-week disqualification. That is why he could not play.
Georgian rugby players played only for tries and kicked penalty in goal only once. It was against Welsh Premiership team – 36:32. This time, they wanted to end up the tour with victory so much that scored penalty at the second minute. The hosts scored try at the 10th minute, used conversion and advanced. But Georgians scored three tries, used two conversions and the half ended 22:7.
Welsh team scored penalty at the 53rd minute and minimized score to 12 points. They managed to score try and used conversion at the 75th minute. They hoped to save the match. But Georgians scored penalty and advanced 25:17. The hosts could not save the match and Georgians won it.
Some of these boys will play for the national team in June because the main part of the team cannot gather by June. “The Lelos” will play against Ukraine at Nations Cup on June 9. Then, they will hold North American tour where Georgians will play against the USA and Canada.
Wales (Eirias). Park Eirias
RGC 1404 – Georgia “A” 17:25 (7:22)
Georgia “A”: 15. Saba Nikolava, 14. Irakli Gegenava, 13. Irakli Chkhikvadze, 12. Giorgi Jimsheladze, 11. Lekso Gugava, 10. Giorgi Kacharava, 9. Giorgi Begadze; 1. Irakli Mirtskhulava, 2. Beka Mekokishvili, 3. Levan Chilachava, 4. Beka Bitsadze, 5. Davit Chitidze, 6. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili, 7. Givi Berishvili, 8. Giorgi Tkesheliadze.
Substitutes: 16. Shalva Mamukashvili, 17. Giorgi Menabdishvili, 18. Jaba Kikvidze, 19. Mikheil Gachechiladze, 20. Sandro Nizharadze, 21. Giga Gagoshvili, 22. Zurab Dzneladze.
Zura Ksovreli
