Sweden 17 - Croatia 14

A test match result to be enjoyed and perhaps prove how close the earlier matches had been? Had the fates decided otherwise Sweden, could have been at least mid table if not challenging for the top spot. It has to be noted that prior to this match, Croatia had won 7 matches in a row, which included the scalp of the league champions, Holland. So no mean feat by the boys in blue and yellow.

Sweden took to the park in their brand new kit and looked a determined and professional outfit. Whilst they may have lost the contest in the singing of the national anthems, the Croats singing with much fervour, it was the only time on the day that Sweden were going to be second.
A referee that was officiating in only his second international match got matters under way and within a couple of minutes awarded a scrum to the visitors. However undeterred the Swedish pack met this challenge head on and more than matched the bigger unit and succeeded in winning the first engagement. This resulted in Sweden dominating the first ten minutes and after being awarded a penalty, which was successfully kicked, the home side took the game to the opposition. With some incisive running from the back row and the backs Sweden worked a position where a sublime crossfield kick from the Swedish captain saw the whitewash crossed for the first time and with the extra points added, it meant that the home side were 10-0 up.
Croatia, although losing some key players through injuries, (such was the intensity of the tackles), upped their game, began to attack the fringes and started to make inroads into the home sides territory. Eventually earning them a penalty, which thankfully from the home side supporters view was missed. This did not deter them however and with continued pressure they forced the ball over the line and made the conversion. With the pressure mounting, a brave take under a high ball allowed the Swedish full back to take the ball into touch and the referee blew for half time, with the score at 10-7
The opening salvo of the second half was dominated by the away team and it took some time for the home team to settle into their game plan, however this they did and the game became a tense and hard fought contest. So hard in fact that after a try saving tackle, (where did he come from?) the Swedish hooker had to go off with a severe injury to his shoulder. As luck would have it, his replacement after a short period of play, injured his shoulder and was also replaced. During his time on the field Sweden were awarded another penalty, which was unsuccessful. Following a kick downfield by the visitors, the catching full back went on a dazzling run to evade some desperate and bemused opposition players. This was supported by the backs and back row players which led to a tremendous try, lifting not only the team, but the crowd and one could almost see a smile on the faces of the Swedish coaches. The full back converted the score and Sweden were now back in the driving seat.
All credit to the Croatian side they kept playing and applying pressure which eventually led to the referee awarding a penalty try for a shoulder barge against the opposition winger, by the home side's fullback. They also kicked the conversion and brought the score back to 17-14 with about 1 minute to play. It was probably one of the longest minutes that the Swede's had to contend with, but eventually they manged to turn the ball over and were awarded a penalty, which they kicked to touch and that resulted in the final whistle being blown. A hard fought win and much relief was evident throughout the ground.