Georgian “A” rugby team which is on British tour held the second test match and celebrated victory. In the first match “The Lelos” beat “Esher” of England 25:8. This time, Georgians defeated Welsh team. They scored five tries and won the match 36:32.

Levan Maisashvili, head coach of “A” team, took those rugby players to Britain who will move to the national rugby union team. Saba Nikolava substituted Beka Urjukashvili as No.15. Nikolava was not in the list in the previous match. Urjukashvili was a substitute. Irakli Chkhikvadze and Giorgi Jimsheladze were fly-halves. In the previous match, Jimsheladze played as No.10 but this time he changed position, like Zurab Dzneladze. In the first match he was fly-half with Chkhikvadze. Now, he was wing. Lekso Gugava was the second wing. Also, he was captain of the team. Irakli Gegenava was No.10. Giorgi Kacharava was No.9.

One change was made in the first line. Giorgi Menabdishvili substituted Levan Chilachava as No.3. He played with Irakli Mirtskhulava and Shalva Mamukashvili.

Mikheil Gachechiladze played instead of disqualified Kote Mikautadze. The third line was the same – Beka Bitsadze, Givi Berishvili and Giorgi Tkesheliadze. Jaba Kikvidze was a substitute. He was not in the list in the previous match.

In spite of a renewed staff, “The Lelos” did their best against strong opponent and celebrated an important victory. It was a match between the best rugby players of Georgian and Welsh Championships.

Shalva Mamukashvili, Davit Chitidze and Giorgi Kacharava scored tries in the first half. Nikolava scored all three conversions. Welsh team scored five penalties and one try with conversion. They won the first half 22:21. Sin-bin of Giorgi Menabdishvili helped the hosts. At the beginning of the second half Welsh team scored one penalty. After that Irakli Chkhikvadze and Jaba Kikvidze scored tries. Nikolava scored one conversion and Georgian “A” team advanced 33:25. At the end of the match, Welsh team scored try with conversion. Though, Nikolava scored one penalty and the match ended – 32:36. Unfortunately, we could not find comments of Georgians after the match. But, it is interesting what Wayne Hall, Premiership XV team manager, stated. “It was a great exercise for the Premiership players and proved just how much talent there is in this league. There was a rousing finish to the game thanks to Sam Sole’s try and the 1000 crowd certainly enjoyed a good night of entertainment. The Georgian “A” team was very strong up front and showed how much the game is developing in their country”.
“The Lelos” will hold the last match of British tour on March 31. Georgian rugby players will play against Premiership team of North Wales in Colwyn. Milton Haig and Chris Gibbs, coaches of Georgian national rugby union team, are in Great Britain with Georgian “A” team.

 

March 27. Wales. Bridgend
Welsh Premiership team – Georgian “A” team 32:36 (22:21)
Georgian “A” team: 15. Saba Nikolava (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 14. Zurab Dzneladze (“Aia”, Kutaisi), 13. Irakli Chkhikvadze (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 12. Giorgi Jimsheladze (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 11. Lekso Gugava (“Lelo”, Tbilisi, cap.), 10. Irakli Gegenava (“Lelo”, Tbilisi), 9. Giorgi Kacharava (“Lelo”, Tbilisi); 1. Irakli Mirtskhulava (“Tarbes”, France), 2. Shalva Mamukashvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 3. Giorgi Menabdishvili (“Grenoble”, France), 4. Mikheil Gachechiladze (“Academy”, Tbilisi), 5. Davit Chitidze (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 6. Beka Bitsadze (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 7. Givi Berishvili (“Locomotive”, Tbilisi), 8. Giorgi Tkesheliadze (“Heartpool College”, England).

Substitutes: 16. Beka Mekokishvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 17. Levan Chilachava (“Toulon”, France), 18. Jaba Kikvidze (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 19. Giorgi Tkhilaishvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi); 20. Sandro Nizharadze (“Heartpool College”, England), 21. Giga Gagoshvili (“Armia”, Tbilisi), 22. Beka Urjukashvili (“Figeac”, France).

5 tries: Mamukashvili, Chitidze, Kacharava, Chkhikvadze, Kikvidze.

4 conversions: Nikolava.

Penalty: Nikolava.

Head coach: Levan Maisashvili.

Dato Manjavidze