Matchrapport Cph Exiles - Gripen Herr

*Uppd med bilder* Årets första riktiga 15-manna match avklarad. Dessvärre förlust men ändå ett bara genrep inför kommande helgs seriepremiär.

Saturday 17th May Gripen’s senior herr lag traveled down to play there first match of the season against Copenhagen Exiles. This was a practice match and Gripen’s team consisted of experienced, new & young players 5 of whom were 18 or younger and 4 starting their first rugby match. The Exiles team was primarily their 2ndXV.

In the first half the Exiles had the wind advantage which was very strong on the day and they used this well. However, Gripen were playing well and making good breaks through Emil & Erik in the centre. The first score however went to the Exiles after a period of pressure they were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which they dually kicked.

After this Gripen played their best period of the match and an excellant break by Nicklas A at Number 8 saw him just tackled 10m short of the Exiles line. Quick thinking by Emil ensured a tap penalty was rewarded with a try under the posts. Erik A kicked the conversion.

Not long after Gripen had taken the league some sloppy passing gifted the Exiles a try which they converted. More pressure by the Exiles ended with another try in the corner. At HT the score was 15 – 7 but Gripen would now have the wind behind them.

The second half started well for Gripen and another quick tapped penalty resulted in a try for Erik A. The Conversion was missed but now the scores were 15 – 12! However, the Exiles made 4 or 5 changes which turned the game and Gripen’s advantage in the scrum was now gone.

The 3^rd quarter was a bit scrappy by both teams as they were cancelling each other out.

The 4^th quarter though belonged to the Exiles and they eventually scored 2 late tries one of which was converted. Their better players which they had brought on showed in the end! Final score 27-12.

However, Gripen can be proud of their efforts and there were plenty of positives to take out of the game. Robin had some great barn storming runs and was just held short of the try line twice. Andrew also had a good game in the 2^nd row as did Mann at scrum half. Congratulations must also go to Paul who played his first match of rugby at hooker and to Vincent & Calle on the wings.

Overall it was a decent performance with many players missing on the day.

Några bilder från matchen hittar ni HÄR

/ Gareth Leppitt, team manager

Now we look forward to the next weekend when we kick off the season by welcoming Malmö RC to Norrvalla IP. Kick off kl. 14:00 with "5-kamp" and kick off party and live rugby on big screen to follow...