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Post by Druzik on Aug 15, 2009 9:14:38 GMT 10
This is so that we can discuss this tournament, as spider says its important and Serbia hosting it again it great.
Discuss.
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jim
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Post by jim on Aug 16, 2009 23:10:37 GMT 10
TONY SMITH FLIES TO SERBIA FOR EUROPEAN TOURNAMENTþ
Sunday 16th August 2009
England Head Coach Tony Smith is breaking off his Wembley preparations with club side Warrington this week, as he heads off for two days in Belgrade to undertake coaching workshops with sides competing in the European Under 16’s Championships, which begin on Tuesday.
His visit follows on from a similar one he undertook last year to Prague to work with national Under 18 sides and will also include official functions that will help raise the profile of the code in Serbia.
“Last year was a fantastic experience for me and an incredibly worthwhile cause” he commented. “I made some lasting friendships, some of which I will re-kindle while I am over there.”
“The positivity, energy, passion and enthusiasm of the players, coaches and administrators was a major factor in me wanting to stay involved with developments in Europe, particularly with the young players, and I am keen to do anything I can to aid the spread of the sport.”
Smith departs early on Tuesday morning and will spend time in the Serbian capital watching matches, carrying out coaching seminars and on-field practical work for the six nations involved, particularly the ‘Euro Celts’ side which will be made up of players and management from Germany, Czech Republic, Ireland and Russia.
On Wednesday evening he will be at a reception at the British Embassy to celebrate the tournament and then a charity dinner which has attracted the interest and support of the local business community.
Also travelling out is French national coach Bobby Goulding to check on the best young talent coming through in the country.
Rugby League Executive & Development Executive Kevin Rudd commented, “I am delighted that we will have both senior international coaches from England and France in attendance, it adds further prestige and kudos to developments within Europe.”
“John Dixon from Wales will of course be coming to Serbia later in the year as part of the senior European Cup when Wales play there.”
“Tony has been very supportive and shown again his passion for overseas development by agreeing to take part.”
“This is a great opportunity for the Serbian RL to show how they are moving ahead both on and off the field in terms of their organisation. It is a major challenge for any nation hosting these events and I am sure they will build on their previous experience.”
Six nations will take part in the tournament after Russia confirmed that they would not be involved in the Shield.
The Russian Federation have advised that due to a breakdown of communication in the Russian RL Board and loss of sponsors for the event, they have had to withdraw at short notice.
A statement was issued on behalf of the Russian RL, “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to the hosts Serbia and the other teams within the tournament” it said.
Kevin Rudd added, “Russian RL is going through some tough times and the RLEF will support them and monitor the situation.”
“However, on a more positive note, they have still managed to send four players, a coaching official and referee across to compete within the Euro Celts team.”
Meanwhile, the hosts have had their squad in training at a five day youth camp in the Kapaonik Mountains.
Funded by the Serbian Ministry of youth and sport, Serbian Rugby League director for youth development Marko Zeravica said that he was, “pleased with the camp and potential of all the boys who participated.”
RUGBY LEAGUE EUROPEAN FEDERATION UNDER 16’S TOURNAMENT – BELGRADE, SERBIA
Match One – Tuesday 18th August
Cup – Wales v England
Shield – Scotland v Euro Celts
Match Two – Thursday 20th August
Cup – France v Wales
Shield – Serbia v Euro Celts
Match Three – Saturday 22nd August
Cup – England v France
Shield – Serbia v Scotland
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jim
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Post by jim on Aug 16, 2009 23:16:20 GMT 10
Six nations will take part in the tournament after Russia confirmed that they would not be involved in the Shield. The Russian Federation have advised that due to a breakdown of communication in the Russian RL Board and loss of sponsors for the event, they have had to withdraw at short notice. A statement was issued on behalf of the Russian RL, “We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to the hosts Serbia and the other teams within the tournament” it said. Kevin Rudd added, “Russian RL is going through some tough times and the RLEF will support them and monitor the situation.” “However, on a more positive note, they have still managed to send four players, a coaching official and referee across to compete within the Euro Celts team.” Interesting, doesn't sound all that good. Do you know what's happening in Russia Spider? Let's hope they use the WC profits to sort themselves out. For one get a stable domestic compeition going, no forfieted games etc. Step two would be trying to get loan deals with Championship or Elite clubs to get their best playing in the UK or France and perhaps some british or french talent in the russian league. Is the England side that is coming full strength? the best 17 players under the age of 16 in England? |
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Post by Spider on Aug 17, 2009 19:35:51 GMT 10
I'm not sure what's happening in Russia. I wouldn't like if this has something with separated federations there.
England will come with full strength U16 team and that's why is the tournamnet divided in Cup (ENG, FRA, WAL) and Shield (SRB, SCO, EUR; RUS was also thought to play this group). Last time, England sent Whitehaven school on U16s European Nations Cup. That school won in the national competition and also won the Euro title. Gregg McNally (today plays for Whitehaven RLFC, but signed and train with Huddersfield Giants), top scorer of Co-operative Championship 2009, and James Donaldson, now plays for Bradford Bulls in super League, led their team in hard-fought victory over France in Final 14-12.
Also, U19s Euro Nations Cup in France 2006 and U18s Euro Nations Cup in Czech Rep. 2008 were won by France and Wales, respectively, so English are obviously not keen to send non-best side on these tournaments anymore.
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Post by Spider on Aug 19, 2009 17:09:25 GMT 10
Round 1, 18th August
Cup:
England 44-0 Wales
France bye
Shield:
Scotland 46-12 Euro Celts
Serbia bye
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Post by Spider on Aug 21, 2009 21:53:24 GMT 10
Round 2, 20th August
Cup:
Wales 18-54 France
England bye
Table: England, France 2 pts, Wales 0 pts
Shield:
Euro Celts 34-8 Serbia
Scotland bye
Table: Scotland, Euro Celts 2 pts, Serbia 0 pts
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Post by Druzik on Aug 22, 2009 8:24:37 GMT 10
That is a bit of a shock result isnt it spider... Serbia Loosing?
What nations are involved in the Euro Celts this year?
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jim
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Post by jim on Aug 22, 2009 13:38:38 GMT 10
FRANCE OPEN WITH RESOUNDING WIN & EURO CELTS TRIUMPHþ
Friday 21st August 2009
In the second round of matches in the Rugby League European Under 16s Championship in Belgrade, France announced their intentions with a big win over Wales, to set up a showdown with England for the European Cup, while the Euro Celts select defeated the host nation in the Shield.
A superb second half performance, which saw them post six tries, enabled FRANCE to run out 54-18 victors over WALES, who tired after their exertions two days before against England.
French full back Valentin Ferres opened the scoring in the fifth minute, sprinting on to Mantail Romano’s pass after some typically flamboyant Gallic interplay.
Damian Cardace doubled the lead when he found a gap in the Welsh defence to speed away, hooker Joan Guasch converting.
Wales’ best for the second successive game, loose forward Rhodri Lloyd, scored the Principality’s first points in the competition, capitalising on a terrific break from hooker Efan Ellis and goaled his own effort.
Nine minutes later, Lloyd smashed his way over again to level after the Welsh had gained good field position, his second goal giving them a 12-10 lead.
A power play on the last tackle saw Romain Peault cross on the wing after another fine pass from Cardace and, right on half time, Pierre-Louis Bourrel went over from dummy half.
Cardace was the playmaker in chief again three minutes after the break, his tremendous run beating three defenders before his pass sent Peault over for his second touchdown, Joann Didone converting.
Thio Bonneriez took a clutch of defenders over with him from a tap penalty to break the Welsh resistance and, three minutes later, Thibaut Margalet found the whitewash from a Didone pass.
Bonneriez broke free for a second touchdown and Cardace did likewise after being set up by stand off Jaris Bissiere.
Just before the hour, Jamie Sollis hit back for the Welsh after good work by Ollie Olds, Lloyd converting but the French brought up the half century when centre Safrane Ghanem crossed for their tenth try.
Wales included winger Josh Ramsey in their side, the younger brother of Arsenal wonder-kid Aaron.
EUROPEAN CUP – Wales 18 France 54 (half time 12-18)
WALES
1 Scott Gibson
2 Josh Ramsey
3 Sean Webber
4 Rhys Watkins
5 Liam Harrs
6 Ollie Olds
7 Jason Blackmore
8 Bradley Hill
9 Efan Ellis
10 Tom Owen
11 Huw Robinson
12 Michael Griffiths
13 Rhodri Lloyd
Subs
14 Jamie Sollis
15 Dale Evans
16 Andrew Waite
17 Jack Pring
Tries: Lloyd (11, 20), Sollis (58)
Goals: Lloyd 3
FRANCE
1 Valentin Ferres
2 Tony Maurel
3 Guillaume Guigne
4 Safrane Ghanem
5 Romain Peault
6 Jaris Bissiere
7 Joann Didone
8 Nicolas Varas
9 Joan Guasch
10 Thibaut Margalet
11 Damien Cardace
12 Mantial Romano
13 Pierre Louis Bourrel
Subs
14 Thio Bonneriez
15 Benjamin Garcia
16 Charles Bouzinac
17 Paul Barbaza
Tries: Ferres (5), Cardace (8, 52), Peault (28, 39), Bourrel (34), Bonneriez (42, 48), Margalet (45), Ghanem (64)
Goals: Guasch 4, Didone 3
Men of the match: WALES: Rhodri Lloyd FRANCE: Thio Bonneriez
SERBIA’s youngsters, coached by John Risman, made their bow in the European Shield and put up a spirited second half performance, going down 34-8 to the EURO CELTS.
Irish winger Lewis Sykes opened the scoring but the hosts could have been level on the quarter hour, Igor Bajic dropping the ball with the line open.
The Celts took advantage, centre Michael Rouch going in on the overlap from fellow Irishman Jack Riding’s pass and Hakim Miloudi made it 16-0 with a try and a goal.
Serbia’s first points came when Stevan Stevanovic showed great resolve to crash through the Celts rearguard, Dejan Lukenic replying.
The Serbs gave themselves a lifeline just as the half time whistle was about to go, full back Emil Corovic going over out wide after more good work from centre Stevanovic.
There was no further score for the opening 20 minutes of the second period as defences were on top, Russian second rower Andrei Christyakov then jinking over to secure the spoils.
Frenchman, and man of the match, Miloudi intercepted Vojislav Dedic’s pass for his second try, finishing with an 18 point personal haul.
EUROPEAN SHIELD – Euro Celts 34 Serbia 8 (half time 22-8)
CELTS
1 Jakub Smisek (Cze)
2 Aleksandar Mitic (Srb)
3 Andrew Lambert (Ire)
4 Michael Rouch (Ire)
5 Lewis Sykes (Ire)
6 Hakim Miloudi (Fra)
7 Jack Riding (Ire)
8 Gareth Comely (Wal)
9 Yuri Krasko (Rus)
10 Andrew Johnson (Ire)
11 Andrei Chistyakov (Rus)
12 Liam Jackson (Ire)
13 Ben Whitehead (Ire)
Subs
14 Filip Lafek (Cze)
15 Nikola Stojanovic (Srb)
16 Vladimir Kosyrev (Rus)
17 Dejan Lukenic (Srb)
Tries: Sykes (6), Rouch (18), Miloudi (23, 62), Lukenic (30), Chistyakov (56)
Goals: Miloudi 5
SERBIA
1 Emil Corovic
2 Djordje Salai
3 Nikola Radivojevic
4 Stevan Stevanovic
5 Igor Bajic
6 Vojislav Dedic
7 Dragan Kranjcec
8 Marko Miljkovic
9 Vladislav Dedic
10 Marko Marinkovic
11 Stefan Nedeljkovic
12 Milos Calic
13 Dejan Cvitkovac
Subs
14 Marko Vlahovic
15 Bojan Durakovic
16 Tomica Kostic
17 Milan Aleksic
Tries: Stevanovic (27), Corovic (34)
Men of the match: CELTS: Hakim Miloudi (Fra) Serbia: Stevan Stevanovic
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jim
Marquee Player
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Post by jim on Aug 22, 2009 13:41:50 GMT 10
That is a bit of a shock result isnt it spider... Serbia Loosing? What nations are involved in the Euro Celts this year? I don't think it is, the Celts look to be made up of mostly Irish and Russian, which is what you'd expect seeing as neither have sent a side. Good to see Smith and Goulding over though, I hope a few SL clubs sent scouts because there could be some great undisocered talent in the Shield teams. |
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Post by Druzik on Aug 22, 2009 17:24:11 GMT 10
True Jim... never thought of that... still SL clubs there is too fwd thinking mate  But look Tony and Goulding were there so you never know Warrington may pick someone up. |
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Post by Spider on Aug 23, 2009 0:07:12 GMT 10
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