Georgian U-19 rugby team won over the host team 24:8 in semifinal of European Championship which is underway in the capital of Romania, Bucharest.

Dutch or Russian teams will be opponent of Georgian team in final. The match between Holland and Russia started at 17:00. Last year, Georgian U-19 team won European Championship and beat Russia in the final. Now, Georgians have a chance to keep the title. Though, the most important is that two finalists of European Championship will compete in World U-20 Cup next year. The championship will take place in Japan. The little “Lelos” have already won a right to participate in this tournament.

The debut of the match turned out unsuccessful for Georgians. The hosts scored penalty kick. Then, they controlled the ball and gained territorial advantage with the help of referee. Soon the referee sin-binned Georgian rugby player. After that, Romanians scored try and advanced 8:0. Before the break, Georgians scored penalty. In the second half, Georgians scored three tries, three conversions and won the match 24:8.

Georgian U-19 team: Tornike, Jibladze, Davit Khidesheli, Vakho Akhobadze, Mindia Elgujauri, Sandro Koiava, Guja Surguladze, Guram Shengelia, Vato Rapava, Vazha Khutsishvili, Niko Jinchvelashvili, Giorgi Bitsadze, Merab Sharikadze (cap.), Zurab Dzneladze, Levan Gogolashvili, Saba Nikolava, Giorgi Lomtadze, Giorgi Tetroshvili, Nodar Mardaleishvili, Beka Mamrikishvili, Giorgi Misriashvili, Giorgi Basilaia, Dachi Kopadze, Zaza Navrozashvili, Acho Bezhiashvili, Lasha Siradze, Giorgi Zibzibadze.

Head coach: Jan Richard Smith (Scotland)

Coaches: Irakli Chkonia, Lado Kilasonia

European U-19 Rugby Championship 2011

November 2. Semifinals

Georgia – Romania 24:8 (3:8)

Hollad - Russia

Semifinals for V-VIII places

Switzerland – Portugal

Belgium – Spain

Zura Ksovreli