Rugby

Steliu Lambru, 09.12.2015, 13:44

Timisoara Saracens are Romania’s new rugby champions,
after winning against title holders CSM Stiinta Baia Mare in the finals, 18:15.
The match was played at the Lascar Ghinet stadium in Baia Mare. The Saracens’
most recent win came after an excellent season, in which they also won the
King’s Cup and Romania’s Cup. The Saracens have thus added the fourth champion
title to their record sheet, following the other titles won in 1972, 2012 and
2013. Stiinta may find some comfort in the fact that they have won the title
five times, in 1990, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2014.

The match between Timisoara Saracens and Stiinta Baia
Mare was balanced before coming to a dramatic end. The Saracens drew first
blood when Calafeteanu converted Shennan’s try 6 minutes into the match.
However, as Saracens player Drenceanu received the yellow card, Stiinta took
advantage and equalised to 7-all on minute 23, when Samoa converted Danila’s
try. Stiinta then took the lead following Ratu Taniela’s successful drop goal
in the 27th minute of play. The Saracens equalised towards the end
of the first half after a penalty kick converted by Calafeteanu.

The Saracens also played well at the beginning of the
second half and Fonovai Tangimana scored another try for the team on the 47th
minute, before Calafeteanu converted a penalty kick five minutes later,
securing his team a comfortable 18:10 lead. Stiinta got back into the game and
their attacks became more dangerous, but Samoa wasted a good opportunity to
convert a penalty kick. They did raise their score in the 70th
minute, when Alexandru Bucur scored a try. Although they had one man more on
the field, Stiinta were unable to score again for the rest of the match.

In other news from rugby, CSM Olimpia Bucharest has
won the bronze medal of the rugby Super League. Olimpia trounced another team
from Bucharest, Steaua, 21:8. Steaua were the first to score, but CSM quickly
equalised and were already in the lead at half-time, 15:8. Steaua pushed hard
for a comeback, but were unable to score for the rest of the game.