Date: 10/7/15
Fresh from their victory over Ukraine in Belgrade, which saw them make the 2016 European Qualifiers for the 2107 World Cup, Russia won a Euro 9s tournament in the city.
Six nations participated divided in the two groups, with winners of each playing in the final for the trophy. Serbia won Group A beating Hungary 36-0 and Czech Republic 14-8, the Czechs taking second place after defeating the Hungarians 24-4.
In Group B, Russia repeated their win over Ukraine at the modified version, this time 24-8, and defeated Bosnia Herzegovina 26-0. Ukraine edged second spot on point’s difference when they drew 10-all with Bosnia.
In the play off games, Bosnia took fifth spot with an 18-10 success over Hungary; Ukraine sealing third after seeing off the Czech Republic, 26-0.
In the decider, a good crowed at the Makiš stadium enjoyed an entertaining game, Russia beating hosts Serbia 26-12.
The Bears’ Andrey Zdobnikov was voted best player while his teammate Anton Zabelin was top scorer with four tries. Bosnia and Herzegovina took home the fair-play trophy.
SRLF vice president, Nebojša Sretenović, said “We are looking to extend the tournament to become one where all countries in Europe can take part. It was a great finish of a massive weekend for Serbian Rugby League, with SRLF also hosting its first Rugby League European Federation Congress.”
Meanwhile, domestically, Dorćol collected the Serbian 9s championship. Ten clubs participated in the tournament held at SC Inge stadium in Belgrade, with over 120 players competing for the national championship.
In the final, Dorćol convincingly defeated current SRLF first division leaders Partizan 48-4. Partizan paid the price of a draining semi final clash with Red Star, which needed triple extra time, Vlado Kušić’s winning try ensuring a 16-12 triumph.
In the other semi final, led by championship MVP Dalibor Samardžić, Dorćol defeated surprise qualifiers Radnički Niš, 26-8. Unfortunately, Radnički could not capitalize on their good form for the day, Red Star gaining third place with a 16-4 win.
Top try scorer and Serbian international Pero Madžarević helped Radnički Nova Pazova to seal fifth spot against Tašmajdan Tigers, 20-16, while Novi Beograd defeated Heroj Polet 18-12 for seventh place.
Soko Vranje finished ninth beating Zemun 20-12, who went home with the fair-play trophy.
