Georgian U-19 rugby team showed the whole Europe that Georgians can also play fast open matches. In both two important matches – against Romania in semifinal and Russia in final - the little “Lelos” let their opponents gain advantages (0:8 against Romania, 0:6 against Russia) at the beginning of both matches. Georgians lost the first halves but finally, won the matches.
Georgian team ended up the whole tournament so that only one try was scored against them. Georgians scored 13 tries. 14 points were scored against them and they collected 94 points. In ¼ final, the little “Lelos” scored 8 tries against Switzerland and won 50:0. Then, there was a decisive match against host Romania which had a great support of referee. Romanians won the first half 8:3. But Scottish head coach Ian Smith changed the tactic and told the boys to play quickly. Georgian team won the second half 21:0 (3-3 tries and conversions).
The semifinal was decisive because winner would gain right to compete in World Cup 2012. Two finalists would win this right. Georgian team won this right in the match against the host team. But the match against Russian team was ahead. Last year, Georgians defeated Russians 38:7 in the final of European U-19 Championship. Though, now the situation was different. Russians easily won over Holland 45:8 in the semifinal. Georgians spent all their energy against Romanians.
But “The Lelos” played perfectly in the final. They had advantage during the whole match. The defense line played so well that Russians did not have chance to score try. Russians defense line played well too and made a lot of problems to Georgians.
After the first minutes, Georgians took control over the ball and attacked the opponent. When 20-minute attack had no result, the opponent started attacking Georgians too. They tried to gain points by conversion but missed it.
At the 26th minute, Russians took a penalty and scored it. After four minutes, Russians took another penalty and increased advantage.
Georgian team returned the ball and initiative. At the 33rd minute, Saba Nikolava scored penalty from 37 meters. Then, “The Lelos” attacked to score try but in vain. The first half ended up 3:6 in the favor of Russians.
The second half started with advantage of Georgian team. 14 minutes after the start of the second half, Valeri Rapava scored try and Nikolava used conversion.
Soon Russians minimized the score with penalty.
At the 22nd minute of the second half, Vazha Khutsishvili scored the second try of Georgians. Nikolava used conversion – 17:9.
10 minutes before the end of the match, Russian team minimized the score with penalty and the score became dangerous. After three minutes, “The Lelos” scored penalty and the score became 20:12. Russians knew that they would not win the match and tried to score try of prestige but they lost the ball. The referee whistled and Georgian team celebrated victory.
Georgian U-19 team became champion of Europe 2011: 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: Ian Richard Smith (Scotland)
Coaches: Irakli Chkonia, Lado Kilasonia
European U-19 Championship 2011
November 5
For VII place
Belgium - Switzerland 40:6
For V place
Portugal - Spain 15:26
For III place
Romania - Holland 59:18
Final
Georgia – Russia 20:12 (3:6)
Georgia: 15. Saba Nikolava, 14. Giorgi Bitsadze, 13. Zurab Dzneladze, 12. Merab Sharikadze (Giorgi Zibzibadze 33-38), 11. Levan Gogolashvili, 10. Giorgi Basilaia, 9. Vazha Khutsishvili; 1. Tornike Jibladze (Giorgi Tetrashvili 36, Archil Bezhanishvili 70), 2. Giorgi Lomtadze (Davit Khidesheli 36), 3. Zaza Navrozashvili (Vakhtang Akhobadze 36), 4. Guram Shengelia, 5. Sandro Koiava, 6. Elguja Surguladze (Mindia Elgujauri 63), 7. Beka Mamrikishvili, 8. Valeri Rapava.
2 tries: Rapava, Khutsishvili
2 conversions: Nikolava
2 penalties: Nikolava
Zura Ksovreli
