INTERNATIONAL RUGBY: European Nations Cup Results

30.10.2010
Lithuania 9, Malta 6 in Siauliai (ENC 2A)
Croatia 14, Latvia 12 in Riga (ENC 2A)
Israel 23, Hungary 14 in Netanya (ENC 2C)

Briefly
Lithuania won their first game in their new division of European rugby but not without some heart-stopping moments. The Lithuanians had to rearrange their team after injuries became a problem. A number of veteran and retired international players were recalled to fill the gaps. The Lithuanians will want to be able to call upon their overseas-based players for their next match, a clash with high-flyers Sweden on November 6th.

Malta came close to a valuable away victory but gained a bonus point as they lost within seven points of the Lithuanians. They now face Latvia at home.

The Latvians lost their first game but also gained a bonus point as they lost within seven points. Croatia came back well to win away after their big loss, at home, to Sweden last week. It was a vital win for the Croatians.

Israel won its first test match in their new division of European rugby. They gained promotion to ENC 2C at the end of last season which also included a successful Rugby World Cup campaign; it was short-lived as they lost to Lithuania in May. This win today, against one of the favoured teams in this division, will make all the other teams take notice. This result reflects the rise of Israeli rugby over the past two seasons.

ENC Matches Next Weekend
05.11.2010
Greece v Bulgaria in Pernik (ENC 2D)

06.11.2010
Moldova v Poland in Gdanks (ENC 1B)
Latvia v Malta in La Valette (ENC 2A)
Lithuania v Sweden in Trelleborg (ENC 2A)
Slovenia v Armenia in Abovian (ENC 2B)
Norway v Austria in Vienna (ENC 2C)
Hungary v Denmark in Odense (ENC 2C)