Test Rugby: Lithuania Walk Over Neighbours

04.04.2009
Lithuania 55, Latvia 12 in Carnikava (Baltic Trophy)

Review
In a repeat of last years result, Lithuania proved far too strong for Latvia in a rugby test match in Carnikava, Latvia.

Latvia plays its European competition rugby in Division 2B which is one level above Lithuania who plays in Division 3A. Lithuania would have to be the great developer of Euroepan rugby at present. Newly promoted to ENC 3A from ENC 3B last season, they remain undefeated amoung their new company. This result confirms that by 2010 Lithuanian will be playing in the same division as Latvia.

Test Rugby: Baltic Cup Challenge.

04.04.2009
Lithuania v Latvia in Carnikava (Baltic Trophy)

Venue: City Stadium

Preview
Officially this match is a friendly. Nobody has told that to these two neighbours of the Baltic region. The rugby rivalry goes back a long way.

Last season the lower ranked Lithuanians took the city of Klaipedia by storm, defeating the Latvians by 43-17 and thus taking the Baltic Trophy. The Latvians will be keen to put their southern cousins back in their place following their shock loss last season.

At this stage these are the only teams involved. My records show a Baltic Cup was played for back in 1994 with Denmark and Poland involved.

Previous Encounters
13.04.2008 Lithuania 43-17 in Klaipedia (Baltic Cup)
30.04.2005 Latvia 19-12 in Riga (WCQ Euro.R2; Pool C)
08.05.1999 Latvia 30-10 in Vilnius (FIRA Pool A)
25.10.1997 Lithuania 25-23 in Vilnius (FIRA Silver)
11.05.1996 Latvia 34-20 in Riga (FIRA B3)

GWC Rugby Rankings: Europe Table-Latvia 21st, Lithuania 23rd

Prediction: Latvia by 7

Teams-Not available

Latvia

Lithuania

For a complete list of all international rugby results of both Latvia and Lithuania go to http://www.rugbyinternational.net/