The Georgian U-19 rugby team won all three matches at European Championship which was held in the capital of Portugal, Lisbon.

The team of Davit Vartanian scored 20 tries and was scored only one against Czech Republic (69:8).  “Little Lelos” overcame not only opponents’ obstacle but referees as well. Next year they will depart for World Cup where their opponents will be Japan, Canada, Namibia, Tonga, Uruguay, the USA and host teams.

The first match against Belgium turned out tough. The opponent had a chance to open score but missed conversion. At the 8^th minute Giorgi Aptsiauri scored penalty. He had another chance to increase advantage but could not use it. The Georgian team gained advantage. At the 25^th minute Revaz Jinchvelashvili scored penalty – 6:0.

“The Lelos” were nervous. The Belgians scored two penalties and the first half ended 6:6.

The Georgians held the second half perfectly. Anzor Sichinava scored try and Jinchvelashvili used conversion. The Belgian first liner tackled the Georgian who did not have a ball and he was sin-binned.

The players of Vartanian felt advantage and Kharebava scored try.

The Georgians could not use conversion but they finally gained advantage. At the 53^rd minute Badri Dangadze scored the 3^rd try. This time Jinchvelashvili used conversion – 25:6. But the match did not finish here. The Georgian team had a chance to score more tries but could not use it. At the 70^th minute Nikoloz Gigauri was sin-binned. In spite of that, “Lelos” scored the 4^th try and Jinchvelashvili used conversion.

“I am the happiest person because we became European champions and will participate in World Cup. I am proud of my boys and I thank each of them. Also I want to thank the coaching staff and those people who participated in this victory. I congratulate everybody on this brilliant victory. I congratulate to Georgia!” – stated head coach Davit Vartanian.

“I congratulate everybody on this important victory. We proved once again that we can win this tournament. I am proud and happy that we have such a good generation. I am sure we will see some of them in the Georgian national team. I want to thank the coaching staff, Rugby Academy and everybody who participated in the preparation of the team” – added Giorgi Nizharadze, president of Georgian Rugby Union.

European U-19 Championship 2013

Portugal. Lisbon. 2 November. Final

Georgia – Belgium 32:6 (6:6)

Georgia:  15. Giorgi Aptsiauri, 14. Muraz Giorgadze, 13. Giorgi Talakhadze, 12. Davit Gulitashvili, 11. Badri Liparteliani (22. Anzor Sichinava 36), 10. Revaz Jinchvelashvili, 9. Teimuraz Tutberidze (23. Irakli Svanidze 70); 1. Zaur Kharebava (16. Davit Pkhakadze 63), 2. Giorgi Toradze (17. Badri Alkhazashvili 36), 3. Giorgi Margvelani (18. Beka Kakabadze 54), 4. Roland Kvachadze, 5. Besik Barbakadze, 6. Badri Dangadze, 7. Tornike Bubuteishvili (19. Nikoloz Gigauri 36), 8. Zhora Mgebrishvili (20. Davit Papavadze 63).

Zura Ksovreli