Rugby : Cyprus 17 . Slovenia : 5.
The result of the game did not surprise the Moufflon supporters, they arrived in battalions to see this contest, but some of the events surrounding the game could have done. They have never encountered such lengthy queues at the turnstiles; the program revealed the game was being televised to the nation by AlfaSport T.V. ; there were so many spectators they had to occupy the uncovered areas beside the main stadium, which was hastily evacuated when 5 minutes after kick off, from a cloudless sky, a torrential downpour, lasting no more than three minutes, soaked them and caused a series of handling errors and difficulties in remaining upright for the players. What a contrast to their last encounter in Ljubjana, when in freezing conditions they hammered the Slovenians 34-3.
The teams were well matched with little to choose between them. The visitors proving a much fitter and better organised team than when they played in 2013 in European Nations Div. 2C. The teams mobile and strong in defence, which is a feature of the modern game. The Moufflons coach, the redoubtable Andy Binicos, a great favourite with the players and supporters, is a master in this area of the game.’ Have you ever tackled a man head-on weighing 100 kilos running straight at you, covering ten metres a second ? That’s the job; and you’ll do it everytime when required. The lads want promotion, and this is our way of getting it. We score more points than the opposition. Rugby is a simple game, stick with the basics and you win–right?’ Who can disagree with Binny.
The hosts left the field at half-time with 5 points on the board from a neat try by the veteran Luke Peters that was unconverted.
A few minutes into the second half and the Moufflon scrum half, Vaki Antoniou made it 10-0; minutes later Slovenia scored a try which they failed to convert and with only 20 minutes left in the game the score stood at 10-5, which meant, if the visitors converted a try they would win.
Former CRF president, Loukis Pattihis, who gave the Greek commentary on AlfaSport T.V. told the Mail ‘It came down to a question of attrition; the fitness of the Moufflons enabled them to control the set pieces, and the incident of indiscipline which gave rise to a final penalty that the pack handled so well by employing the rolling maul, which saw Luke Frixou, the captain, peel off and score under the posts, and with Sam Burns slotting it over, gave the Slovenians no chance to reply: job done. Ela Kypros’.
When Johnny Stavrinou the CRF president was interviewed after the game, he said’ It is a new beginning. The size of the crowd indicates we are attracting more spectators to our game, which is probably due to the efforts that the town clubs are making in attracting more young players through the schools and academies. In Cyprus, if the children play, the family watch.
Although the win means we can expect promotion, we do not disregard our next opponents, and certainly look forward to the game against Serbia in Belgrade next month.
The Serbs have a reputation of total committment to the sport, rather similar to our own. The CRF is building relationships with our Sports Authorities, schools and the media. We believe the time is approaching when rugby on Saturday afternoon television will be a regular feature. Have a look at our web-site to keep up to date with developments’.
Every international game in Rugby Europe Divisions can be watched on their site the following day.
Alexander McCowan
Photo Stephen Nicolaou.
