Vilnius “Iron Wolf” handled the rain best, defeating the multiple champions “Baltrex-Šiauliai” for the first time in league history.
The Vilnius team celebrated a 24:3 (17:3) victory at home.
Already in the 7th minute, Laurynas Marcinkus scored a try to put the hosts ahead. Later, there was a tough battle with many mistakes, as the puddles and slippery ball took their toll. As the half approached its end, Arnas Prielaidas reduced Šiauliai’s deficit with a penalty kick, but in the final minutes of the first half, “Iron Wolf” launched two more successful attacks – Nojus Skinulis and the same L. Marcinkus scored (17:3).
In the second half, “Baltrex-Šiauliai” still failed to find ways into the opponent’s scoring area, while Ervidas Bakutis’ try secured the victory for Vilnius.
“It was the contribution of every player – from 1 to 23 – that decided everything. The players from the bench brought a lot of good energy, and overall everyone showed great desire. When everyone tries and we stick to our plan, we get better results. The rainy weather allowed for a closer game, and the opponents couldn’t utilize their fast and wide play,” said “Iron Wolf” player-coach Dovydas Taujanskas.
“The biggest problems were not in offense or defense, but in desire. The ‘Wolves’ radiated it in every contact. We don’t blame the weather because it’s the same for everyone. Of course, we are used to a faster ball, but conditions were equal and the opponents managed better everywhere. We can only be glad that we lost now and not at a more important stage. This setback might actually benefit us,” reflected “Baltrex-Šiauliai” player Arnas Urbonas.
The best players were recognized as N. Skinulis and Armandas Stebrovič (“Baltrex-Šiauliai”).
Among the league leaders remains the vice-champion Šiauliai “Vairas-Kalvis-Jupoja” club. In the Sun City derby, they defeated the still scoreless “Šiauliai-Exto” team 47:12 (20:7).
“Vairas” confidently started the match and scored the first four tries. Although later “Šiauliai-Exto” briefly closed the gap and tried to challenge, the “Vairas” club maintained a solid lead and celebrated victory.
For the winners, Tomas Mačiulis scored 15 points, Nedas Juodeikis 10, and Aironas Marmazinskis, Arnas Bagarauskas, Tomas Bagdonas, and Kęstutis Marcišauskas each scored 5. In the “Šiauliai-Exto” ranks, Julius Melnikas scored 10 points with two tries.
“The match was not easy. In the first half, it was hard to stick to the coach’s plan, so not everything went as we wanted. Due to relaxation, we allowed the opponents to score tries – this is a good lesson for us to play until the end,” said “Vairas-Kalvis-Jupoja” player Justinas Urbonas.
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“Everything affects the players’ preparation and physical capabilities. A short bench also matters a lot. We hope to have a full lineup in the next matches, with which we can already compete,” said “Šiauliai-Exto” member Vaidas Kizilaitis.
The best players were recognized as Arnas Bagarauskas (“Vairas-Kalvis-Jupoja”) and Lukas Garunkšnis (“Šiauliai-Exto”).
Over the weekend, “Top” league matches were played for the first time in Stockholm. The league newcomers “Exiles” rugby players tested their strength against the champions “Baltic XL-Livonia” (Latvia) in the Swedish capital.
The leading Latvian club in the league proved their superiority 38:13 (19:13), causing “Exiles” to suffer their first defeat.
Although a fierce battle took place on the wet field throughout the match, and the Stockholm team even led 13:12, later the guests made better use of their chances, took the lead, and increased the gap by the end of the match.
“It was a tough match. We fought well for 50-60 minutes, and I think the final result does not reflect the course of the game. We pressured the opponents with scrums and mauls, but it was not enough. I hope we will have another chance to play here against ‘Livonia’ because the spectators surely enjoyed it,” said “Exiles” coach Chema Bohorquezas.
“I agree that the result does not reflect the match. Also, the rain helped us in a way. In the first half, we struggled a bit, and the opponents found gaps. Either team could have led in the first half. The opponents definitely showed that we need to work more on scrums. In the second half, a few successful episodes decided everything,” admitted “Baltic XL-Livonia” coach Neil Johnson.
Tournament table:
1. “Baltic XL-Livonia” 14 pts. 2. Šiauliai “Vairas-Kalvis-Jupoja” 12 3. Vilnius “Iron Wolf” 12 4. “Baltrex-Šiauliai” 10 5. Stockholm “Exiles” 7 6. Kaunas “Ąžuolas” 4 7. “Šiauliai-Exto” 0.
The next round of the Baltic rugby “Top” league is this Saturday. “Baltrex-Šiauliai” will host “Baltic XL-Livonia,” Kaunas “Ąžuolas” will meet “Exiles” at home, and Vilnius “Iron Wolf” will face “Šiauliai-Exto.”
