12.04.2014
Moldova 28, Ukraine 8 in Chisinau (WCQ Europe R4; ENC 1B)
Netherlands 45, Croatia 13 in Amsterdam (ENC 2A)
Malta 29, Switzerland 14 in Winterthur (ENC 2A)
Reviews
The Ukraine appeared to be missing a number of their leading players and went down 8-28 to Moldova who gained a bonus point 4th try. Moldova’s win did not appear to be impressive however.
Germany and Moldova share top spot in this competition. Each team has a game to play. Both teams will want top spot as it ensures them a games against Russia in May in the Rugby World Cup Round 5 Playoff. Neither can afford to drop a bonus point although Germany has the points difference advantage, the pressure really being on Moldova.
ENC 1B Points Table
| P | W | D | L | PF | PA | DIFF | BT | BL | PT | |
| GERMANY | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 353 | 161 | 192 | 6 | 0 | 34 |
| MOLDOVA | 9 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 248 | 191 | 57 | 6 | 0 | 34 |
| POLAND | 9 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 181 | 154 | 27 | 0 | 1 | 21 |
| UKRAINE | 9 | 4 | 0 | 5 | 198 | 199 | -1 | 2 | 1 | 19 |
| SWEDEN | 9 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 173 | 262 | -89 | 1 | 1 | 14 |
| CZECH REP. | 9 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 105 | 291 | -186 | 0 | 1 | 5 |
Remaining Games, all to be played 26 April
Poland v Ukraine in Lvov
Moldova v Czech Republic in Prague
Germany v Sweden in Stockholm
The Germany-Sweden game looks to be the crucial fixture. Moldova will be expected to gain the win and a bonus point against bottom placed Czech Republic.Germany need to win with a bonus point away to ensure they take the title.
In ENC 2A the Netherlands won easily as expected against Croatia but Malta caused an upset with an away win against Switzerland.
At halftime Malta had held Switzerland to 9-9 and then crawled ahead 17-14 with the game in the balance right to the end. Malta apparently scored 12 unanswered points in the last 3 minutes! scoring 2 tries to 1 in the game.
ENC 2A Points Table
| P | W | D | L | PF | PA | DIFF | BT | BL | PT | |
| NETHERL. | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 255 | 124 | 131 | 5 | 0 | 35 |
| SWITZ. | 7 | 4 | 1 | 2 | 152 | 135 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 20 |
| MALTA | 8 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 162 | 179 | -17 | 1 | 1 | 18 |
| CROATIA | 7 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 120 | 200 | -80 | 2 | 1 | 7 |
| LTHUANIA | 6 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 103 | 156 | -53 | 0 | 0 | 4 |
Remaining Games
19/04 Lithuania v Croatia in Zagreb
26/04 Switzerland v Lithuania in Lithuania
Lithuania’s struggle to avoid automatic relegation begins next weekend. They play Croatia away and Switzerland at home, both big hurdles to overcome. The game against Croatia could well be crucial to their chances.
The Netherlands and Switzerland have tied up the first two places.
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