Georgian National Team did their best and beat their opponent in extra time. While Americans were attacking, Merabishvili managed to get ball, he assisted to Lekso Gugava who scored a try and equalized. It was Kvirikashvili’s turn and in decisive moment he did his best and realized. In a result of it “The Lelos” won over “The Eagles” 19:17.
It was the happiest end of this difficult match. At the beginning opponents had advantages, but Georgian rugby players were very determine, they had strong support from 20 000 spectators who were attending this match and they justified their hopes. Georgian National Team managed to take revenge on American National Team, which beat Georgian team at “Cherchil Cup”. In a result of these test matches Georgian team advanced in rating.
“The Lelos” advanced after Malaghuridze’s free kick, then American Team was sinbined fro 10 minutes. The first 20 minutes Georgian National Team was ahead, but it was clear that Georgian attack was not very strong. At the 17th minutes guests had chance of equalization but Malifa could not perform kick very well, at the 26th minutes Malaguridze performed free kick very well and Georgian increased point difference.
Time by time Americans equalized points and at the 30th minutes Emerick scored a try, but realization was not scored. Before the break, Malifa performed drop kick and “The Eagles” won the first half 11:6. Before starting the second half there were made three changes in Georgian staff, at the 44th minutes Malaghuridze reduced point difference. At the 51st minutes, Americans were given right of performing free kick, but Kvirikashvili reduced points difference with 2 points.
In decisive 20 minutes, Georgian team activated. The situation was tense after performing drop kick and at this time Abuseridze was sinbined, but Georgian rugby players did their best and brought unbelievable victory to Georgian people.
Tbilisi. “Boris Paichadze”. Test match. 18000
Georgia– The U.S.A. 19:17 (6:11)
Georgia:15. Besik Khamashuridze, 14. Irakli Mackhaneli (20. Bizina Samkharadze 58), 13. Irakli Chkhikvadze (21. Davit Kacharava 41), 12. Tedo Zibzibadze, 11. Lekso Gugava, 10. Lasha Malaghuridze (22. Merab Kvirikashvili 52), 9. Irakli Abuseridze; 1. Goderdzi Shvelidze (17. Davit Zirkishvili 41), 2. Akvsenti Giorgadze (16. Irakli Natriashvili 41)), 3. Davit Kubriashvoli (Goderzi Shvelidze 79), 4. Shalva Sutiashvili, 5. Levan Datunashvili (18. Giorgi Nemsadze 65), 6. Simon Maisuradze, 7.Giorgi Chkhaidze, 8. Besik Udesiani (19. Vito Kolelishvili 73).
1 try: Gugava
1 convesrsion: Kvirikashvili
4 penalties:Malaghuridze(3), Kvirikashvili
Sin-bin: Abuseridze(61)
A head coach: Rich Dixon
The U.S.A:15.Chris Wyles 14. Takudzwa Ngwenya, 13.Paul Emerick, 12. Andrew Suniula, 11. Kevine Svirin, 10. Valenese Malifa, 9. Tim Usaz(20.Mike Peter80+5); 1. Matekitonga Moeakiola (17. Mike MacDonald 61), 2. Philip Tielly(16. Crise Biller65), 3. Son Pitman, 4. SamuManoa, 5. HaydenSmit, 6. Louis Stanfill, (SonStive 58), 7. Todd Clever, (captain), 8. Inaki Basauri (19. NickJohnson 65).
1 try : Emerick
2 penalties: Malifa
2 drop kick: Malifa, Wyles
1 sinbin: Smit
A head coach: Ady Osalivan
Referee: Piter Alen(Scotland)
Wing referees:AlanForest, Andrew Hill (both of them from Scotland)
Zura Ksovreli
