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FINAL 2006 : BRK-ECB : 23-3NM
Final 21st October 2006 Bergen Rugby Klubb retained the national championship title with a solid and committed victory over East Coast Barbarians at Alvøen on Saturday. With slippery conditions making fluent backline play difficult, the BRK forwards used their superior strength and technique to gain the ascendancy over the surprisingly large ECB pack. An early penalty converted expertly by flyhalf Tim gave BRK the lead before the crowd erupted with joy when the flying Frenchman himself, Hervé Blanco, crossed in the far left corner after a strong scrum and quick thinking from the halfback, Hanro. By the time the first half drew to a close it was clear that the visitors were struggling to retain adequate ball in the scrums and lineouts to threaten BRK with their speedy backs. ECB were missing some key players, but BRK showed superior teamwork and handling skills and looked in control as the hooter sounded despite their dominance not being reflected on the scorecard. HT: 8-0. With the rain coming down even harder, the second half was marred by more handling errors and a string of missed opportunities by BRK to cross the tryline and secure the victory. But despite the conditions, commanding lineout work by the ‘old stalwarts’ Karl, Willie, Derek and Ian and bruising frontrow play from Svein Jarle, Samir and Martin placed the ECB pack and inside backs under so much pressure that it was only a matter of time before the tries came. After the mandatory yellow card was awarded to the unlucky Karl for apparently reciting the Welsh national anthem whilst pinned underneath Vil’liame in a ruck, it was the turn of Hanro to scramble over and secure the five pointer that gave BRK breathing space and essentially knocked the final stuffing out of a brave ECB side. A further try was added ten minutes later by the Spanish center, Alvaro, who no doubt had King Juan Carlos choking with delight on his garlic prawns back in Seville. The crowd finally got what they had paid for moments later with a rare chance to see the flying winger, Kenny make his long awaited appearance. The pacy star probably wished he had a few more minutes out there as his timing was not quite up to his usual standards, but nonetheless, his presence lifted the spirits of the vast crowd huddled outside the waffle stand. One of his darting runs down the blindside would have looked fantastic had it been replayed on PS2 Rugby World Cup 2001. With a consolation pentalty converted by ECB to save the whitewash, the ‘larger than life’ official Winnie stopped proceedings with BRK again on the attack and the game was over (23-3) much to the joy of the triumphant BRK team. A strong effort from the lads indeed, showing measured cohesion and a great deal of team spirit. Those on the bench made valuable contributions in the second half, as did Emmet who arrived early to mark the pitch and make the waffle mix. Special mention must be made to Derek, who leaves Bergen for two years, hopefully coming back when the game is fully professional and can give up his day job as a train driver. The young stars of the future, Alex, Kent and Markus looked right at home in the lineup and look like potential leaders of BRK rugby in the future once Karl, Ian, Dave and Steve decide to hang up their boots in 2019. It was a great effort by the ECB players to make the trip over and contribute to an exciting final, and break the pattern of Bergen-Oslo finals. Hopefully the players will use the off- season wisely, eating loads of cod and broccoli and remembering to brush their teeth afterwards. Well done to all those guys and girls involved in making it another winning season for the club, to all the travelling supporters, and the millions out there who accessed the final through SkySotra. T.
Team: Reserves: Ref: Winnie Awards: (I've missed a couple - please let me know...) |
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Match report by Tom
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