By Phil Caplan, Date: 25/7/13
Sweden produced an upset win in the opening game of the 2013 Nordic Cup, beating holders and European Bowl participants Norway 40-22 in Oslo.
The underdog visitors raced into a 20-0 lead, skipper Fabian Wikander leading the way, the hooker posting a total of two tries and six goals in a 20 point haul.
Tom Bolton, who opened the scoring on five minutes, Sebastian A. Hylander, Tom Field, outstanding second rower Nadeem Riaz and Christian Suciu scored the other Sweden tries.
Norway’s pack fought back well in the second half and although 30-12 down at the break threatened a comeback with touchdowns to Magnus Sundsfjord, Kristian Elgheim – who also kicked three goals, Cam Leslie and Sonny Mellor, but it proved to be too little too late.
In a match refereed by Rajendra Shah, the majority of the Swedish side came from their newest domestic club Skåne Crusaders, whose coaches Paul Briggs and Ashley Brown worked their magic for the national team.
Sweden now prepare to take on Denmark at home in Kävlinge, Southern Sweden, on Saturday 3 August and with it a shot at winning the crown. The final match pitches Denmark at home to Norway a fortnight later.
