Date: 22/6/15
Germany, fresh from winning away in Spain, defeated Holland 46-12 in Gnarrenburg.
With all but one of their side coming from the domestic league, including 17-year-old Matej Beslic, the hosts opened the scoring after five minutes when Oxford’s Andy Hoggins crossed, Mitch Every converting.
Marco Kühne scored his debut try for his country, Every doubling the lead and his kick released local boy Jannek Hagenau for the next score, to delight the crowd of over 300.
Beslic then scored a superb solo effort as he took on the Dutch defence on the outside and romped 60 metres, Evers adding the extras.
German captain Mawuli Amefia was heavily involved and, just before the break, was on the end of a flowing move, Evers goaling to make it 28-0 at the interval.
Amefia grabbed his second try after 70 metre dash, Evers goaling but the Dutch then showed great spirit as they worked their way into the contest.
Impressive second rower Timothy Ddumba opened the scoring for the visitors, Ben Dommershuijsen also crossing; Thijs van der Zouwen converting both tries as they dominated the third quarter.
Arne Falk got Germany back on the scoreboard, Evers on target and, in the closing moments, Liam Doughton scored from a quick play the ball, Evers with his seventh goal from eight attempts.
“The Dutch gave everything and made life hard for us,” said German co-coach Simon Cooper. “The score doesn’t do justice to their efforts.
“We can do better and performances mean more to us at this stage. Now our efforts in Germany will change to our domestic activities with a 9s Series starting on 4th July in Gnarrenburg.
Cooper added, “With a decent crowd and TV and Radio here, it’s been a great day and gives rugby league in this area near Bremen something to build on and to increase our profile.”
