Croatia 13 Sweden 32

Under a beautiful sky and with the weather just right for rugby the game kicked off in front of a large and expectant crowd.
Sweden receive the kick off and immediately secured the ball and through a series of play advance up the field applying pressure on the favourites, this was not what the Croatians expected and eventually succumb to foul play, conceding a penalty for a high tackle. A successful kick gives the visitors a 0-3 lead.
Sweden continue to press their advantage and attack down the right wing and are quickly awarded another penalty, which was unsuccessful this time. Then the Croatians making inroads into the Swedish half are awarded a penalty of their own which earns them 3 points.

The direct play of the Swedes though is unsettling the home side and after a well constructed play a try is taken in the right corner, although the conversion was missed.  This was soon followed by a try created and scored by two of the English players in the team following a quick tap penalty. The score is 3-12 and Sweden are bossing the game although the Croatians are dangerous in broken play. 
Another penalty awarded to the visitors and the ball sails between the posts, this is becoming a rout.
Eventually the Croats wake up and through a couple of breaks and a touch of luck score a converted try themselves leaving a half time score of 10-15. Another missed penalty by the away team is a bit disappointing but the side is playing really well

Swedish rugby is looking good and the team continue the good work into the second half. They continue to pres and from a well worked set piece they ground the ball over the line and with the extra points being added Sweden are 10-22 up and playing with flair and confidence. This seems to galvanise the home side and they start to increase the pressure and start gaining more possession and ground, the Swedish defence is holding up well and keeping their goal line secure. After a number of efforts the hosts are eventually awarded another penalty, which they kick, reducing the score by 3. However that turned out to be the last success they were going to enjoy as the visitors took the game back to them, earning yet another penalty and increasing the score to 13-25.
By now Sweden were enjoying the game and were playing in a relaxed style which through some slick and clever play saw one of the most maligned players in the squad score and show just why he is in the ream. The try was converted and Sweden led 13-32. The remainder of the half saw no further scores, although both teams looked dangerous at times. The final whistle went leaving a dispirited home side and a jubilant Swedish squad.



The next match in the group is against Lithuania on the 6th November in Trelleborg. Let's hope that the good work continues and our warmest congratulations to all involved.

Game On!

This afternoon at 16.30 Sweden start their 2 year campaign to gain promotion into group 3A. After finishing second from bottom in the last competition, hope will be high that they will be more competitive this time around.
The match is being shown live on TV in Croatia so what better incentive could there be to display the skills the players have.
If you wish to view the match you could try and use this link, http://www.livestation.com/account/streams/2745112-hrt_2?page=8, otherwise you could view updates on http://twitter.com/svenskrugby.
Let's hope that the stream works and you can cheer on the team and watch your favourite player in action.
The starting line up is:-

1.  Magnus Karlsson                      Hammarby
2.  Matthew Youngman                  Enkoping
3.  Mattias Thorhard                     Hammarby 
4.  Ivar Bengtsson                        Hammarby
5.  Viktor Pettersson                     Enkoping
6.  Mattias Björkebäck                  Hammarby
7.  Andrew Daish                         Old Albanians
8.  Sebastian Taylor                     Old Haberdashers
9.  Lee Taylor                              North Walsham
10. Tim Johansson                       Enkoping
11. Tobias Borg                           Enkoping
12. Alex Taylor                            Nuneaton
13. Paul Sullivan                          Stockholm Exiles
14. Thomas Ardvisson                  Helsingborg
15. Ian Gowland                          Stockholm Exiles


16. Jan-Olof Johansson                Spartacus
17. Stefan Obradovic                   Attila
18. Peter Wiklund                       Vanersborg
19. Andrew Saunders                  Richmond
20. Robin Karlsson                     Hammarby
21. Jim Wetterstrom                   Enkoping
22. Hannes Eriksson                   Hammarby

There are several changes to the line up from the last match against Croatia and with a some players pulling out of the squad or not being selected there is pressure on those selected in their places to perform. Let's hope they are up to the task and help bring home the first W of the campaign and show the watching public the type of game that truly reflects Swedish Rugby.

Swedish Players Attacked.

Disturbing reports are appearing in various papers throughout Europe regarding an assault on four players in the Men's National Squad.
The squad are staying in Zagreb preparing for the important group match against Croatia, some of the players flew out on Wednesday, with others joining the group on Thursday and Friday.
It appears that the four players in question decided to be spectators at a Europa Cup Match between Dynamo Zagreb and Club Bruges on Thursday evening. Upon arrival at their hotel after the match they were attacked by a bunch of football hooligans wielding clubs and sticks. The four players fled into the hotel lobby and escaped serious injury, collecting a few bruises between them.
The incident is being investigated by the local police force and the Croatian Rugby Federation.
This appears to be an isolated case and there does not seem to be a concerted cause against the Swedish Rugby Squad, however it is disconcerting that this attack took place.
After being checked by a doctor, the players appear to be physically sound and are resting, preparing for the match tomorrow.
As an aside to this Eric Lundquist has been injured in training and his place in the squad has been taken by Hannes Ericsson.
Let's hope that there are no further mishaps and the squad get the result they deserve.

Pathetic!

It has come to our attention that Stockholm Exiles have been given a walk over in the Swedish Cup Final!
Apparently Gothenborg have forfeited the game as they cannot field a team. If this is the case then some serious questions need to be asked by the Board regarding this sorry state of affairs.
As far as we can ascertain, Stockholm Exiles were training all week for this encounter and yes with their imports still here ready to represent their club. Grf on the other hand had too few players, perhaps their imports had already returned home, but surely they could have inquired of their near neighbours (Spartacus) as to whether they could borrow some players, then approach both the Board and the Exiles commitee to see if it was possible to play the game. No, the short answer was to forfeit, leaving the other finalists without a game and just as importantly, the Board with a red face and all those other clubs that entered this competition should be outraged.  No wonder Swedish Rugby is struggling!
If a club in the Elite was to forfeit a league match, they would be relegated to the league below, should that not also be the case here? This really was unworthy of the game and of Grf, they should feel ashamed.
Our congratulations to Stockholm Exiles on achieving the double, albeit in embarrassing circumstances,

Who is calling the shots?

There have been a number of comments on this blog recently regarding the National Team Selection, some from well respected people within the game. Views have been expressed regarding the selection of players, how they are selected, who watches the players and indeed who selects the squad.
As far as we can ascertain, there are 5 people involved in the management set up, the FK, the team manager and his assistant and the two assistant coaches.
The only one of those who would have had a regular view of the players performing in the Elite series is the assistant manager. The FK and the team manager are both involved with clubs in a lower division and their attendances have been concerned with those. As for the two assistant coaches, well they are apparently based in England, ideal for watching the performances of players from that country.
If it is accepted that there is a discussion around selection and presumably there is, on what basis are the players selected? Is it past performances? current form? or do other considerations take precedence? The selection team (apart from the team manager) all have experience of fairly high or top level rugby and presumably understand the standard needed to compete at international level and win.
So,  we offer up these additional questions,
Hammarby finished top of the Elite series and silver medalists, with a number of qualified players available in their squad, why are they not better represented in the 22?
Stockholm Exiles ended up as gold medalists and deservedly have two players selected in the 22, why was there scrum half omitted? He is qualified as far as we know.
Enkoping finished 3rd and have a reasonable number selected, far more than the previous two clubs, why?
Spartacus finished 4th and have one player selected, despite from all accounts having the strongest pack in the Elite, why?
Do the English contingent deserve their selection?
Should players from the lower divisions be selected for the National squad?, given that they are not performing against the strongest opposition, as can be seen in the play off results.

There are probably other questions that we have not put. However our final one is this. Why should not a member of the management team answer these questions, if all is above board, then there is nothing to worry about and clear and precise communication would more than stop the rumours and theories currently doing the rounds.

They thought it was all over, it is now!

As the final whistle went and the combatants either jumped in the air with jubilation or slunk to the ground in despair, the departing spectators were no doubt thinking about the match they had just witnessed. Not the most entertaining of contests but who cares when your team has just won the SM gold.

As the teams lined up for the kick off, it was noticeable that Hammarby had made a couple of changes to their pack, bringing in a two sizable forwards, presumably to make sure the set piece, especially the scrum was more of an even contest this time.
From the kick off both teams appeared to be slightly ponderous and they appeared to be suffering from nerves, although the weather was perfect for a running game and probably was just what Stockholm Exiles wanted, as it would suit their style more. The visitors soon showed that they had adapted their game plan and were constantly attacking their hosts blind side, cleverly conceived as it was a good counter to Hammarby's rush defence. Although the home side stood up and defended well against some early forays by the men in black. The hosts then started to impose themselves on the game and controlled some strong drives earning them a penalty kick, which was successfully taken. Thus reducing the overall deficit to 6 points. After the penalty though, they never really looked as if they were going to score again. With Exiles continually attacking, the home side had to resort to their strong defence and rely on some poor handling errors by the visitors, they also handled the scrummage a lot better this week and that was a telling force in stopping their line being crossed.
Eventually though the pressure told and from a scrum close to the whitewash, Exiles managed to ground the ball over the line. During the build up to the try, the Hammarby 10 and 12 collided making contact with each others head, and as they both appeared to be concussed, following several minutes delay, the refferee refused to allow them to continue the match, on the grounds of safety. A correct call. The try was converted and with no further scores the half time whistle went with the visitors 3-7 up.
From the restart it was apparent that Hammarby were not going to roll over and despite losing two influential players, were going to take the game to the opposition. However this tactic was thwarted by their more illustrious opponents and on only one occasion did they manage to threaten the Exiles line.
Meanwhile the constant probing and attacks down the hosts blind side started to produce results and eventually led to a fine try, although the bounce of the ball was favourable in their execution. Hammarby managed to launch an attack through their centre, evading one poor tackle attempt and then going for a run until he was halted by some fine cover defence and from the resultant turnover ball, the Exiles winger raced 60 metres down the field for a fine try. Exiles then managed a further score to run out comfortable winners 3-28.
As a result the Stockholm Exiles club secured an overall victory by 49-15.

Neither final was the spectacle we were all hoping for, but the winners did score 7 tries to opposition's 0. Some of which were worth the entrance fee. Our congratulations to the winners on a fine season.

It's the Final Showdown.

So, after all the trail and tribulations of this most interesting season, on Saturday we reach the final match featuring Sweden's top two teams in the second final. Despite all the verbal and written comments, claims and counter claims from a number of supporters, it all comes down to two squads of players trying their utmost to impose themselves on the game and the opposition.
Whilst the away team Stockholm Exiles hold a nine point lead over their illustrious opponents and hosts, Hammarby, this is not an insurmountable obstacle and if the home side get into their stride and can manage to dominate the visitor's pack they could ultimately end up as the SM champions. Those are two big  if's and to be fair Hammarby have not been able to impose themselves in the set piece against Exiles this season. But stranger things have happened in this game and with their wily coach, they will no doubt conjure up something different.
As for the Stockholm Exiles, they will certainly have to up their game, both individually and as a team to withstand the onslaught that is going to be launched at them. Last Saturday Hammarby made numerous forays into their half and with a bit of fortune, may well have crossed the whitewash. Perhaps over confidence was a factor in what was a fairly moderate performance, something that should have been noted by both the players and coach. If they can get back the form they were showing just a couple of weeks ago, then they should be able to impose themselves on the opposition and eventually run out comfortable winners. Any complacency could well see them trip up and fall flat on their faces.
As this is the last match, the players will no doubt put everything on the line, so an exciting match is in prospect and hopefully it will be one that all the spectators will enjoy. The winners? We won't sit on the fence, we predict that with their 9 point advantage, it will be Exiles, on the other hand ;-)

Good luck to both clubs, enjoy the day and then put your feet up for a well earned rest!

First Final, closer than expected.

The first final turned out to be a lot closer than expected and although Stockholm Exiles have a 9 point cushion for the away leg, it leaves everything to play for.
In a match that was not the spectacle we were all hoping for, due to the number of penalties, Hammarby put up a strong show against the outright favourites and will be confident going into next Saturday's match at home.

From the kick off, Exiles attempted to display their crisp passing and running lines, but to the observant eye, it appeared that here was not the usual snap to their moves, perhaps overconfidence had something to do with it?  Despite their efforts, it was Hammarby who made the most ground and they were awarded a kickable penalty early on, which unfortunately for them, was missed. However the away side kept applying pressure and earned two scrums in quick succession, both of which the home side took with apparent ease. Yet they managed to keep forcing the play until another penalty was awarded to them, this time the points were taken and the visitors took the lead. Exiles took the game back to Hammarby and failed to convert a penalty even though they were looking more dominant, they failed to break the Hammarby defence, despite the occasional foray by the Hammarby backs, Exiles were beginning to gain the territorial advantage. Ten minutes from the half time whistle, Exiles were awarded a scrum 7 meters from the line and with all hands to the pump

Hammarby stopped a pushover try, two more attempts followed and following the 3rd one the refferee awarded a penalty try, the extra points were taken and the men in black took the lead 7-3.
The visitors, to their credit went back to work and following s series of plays  in the home sides half, were awarded another penalty which was gratefully taken. Once again though, Exiles marched down the field and this time the penalty was awarded to them, which was successfully taken, leaving a half time score of 10-6.

Hammarby stormed out of the blocks from the restart and soon earned another penalty, (missed), shortly after from another one they kicked for touch and from the resultant lineout got a good drive on, which was stopped illegally and the 3 points from the kick closed the gap on their opponents and left them with superior numbers as the Exiles culprit had been shown a yellow card.  
Being a man down seemed to inspire Exiles and they once again took the game to their visitors, a scrum was awarded to the  defenders, but Exiles easily took control of it, yet again, and a penalty was their  reward.
Hammarby tried to use their numerical advantage and from close to their own line ran the ball at the home side forcing a desperate defence to scamper and just manage to force the ball carrier into touch. Still the visitors kept hammering at the hosts defence and almost scored only to be held up by a relieved defender. The pressure was relentless and  from another scrum a penalty was given against Exiles on their ball allowing the visitors  3 more points to close the gap to 1 with about 20 minutes to go.  Eventually after what seemed an eternity, Exiles were back to 15 men, which seemed to galvanise them into a series of plays. Hammarby conceded a number of offences and eventually a penalty was kicked to widen the gap. Following more attacks by the home side, which were stopped by some desperate defending, Stockholm Exiles managed to get the ball over the line for a fine score. They almost scored again but their winger was once again thwarted by some excellent defence, that being the last attack of note, the final whistle went leaving the score at 21-12 with all to play for.


From our view, Hammarby excelled themselves, especially in defence, although the injury toll they have may yet prove costly. Stockholm Exiles appeared to be  lethargic and were not at their best. Now they know that they will be in another battle can they handle it? The odds are with them, but you never know. We are already looking forward to next weeks encounter, between the top two teams in Swedish Rugby.

Some Interesting Thoughts?

We make no apology for copying a view from Sweden's leading rugby club website. It is a view by a well respected person within the Swedish game and we feel that as many people as possible should have the opportunity to read it and perhaps comment on it.

Notes on National Team selection	1 Oct 2010
A number of question marks about the squad selected for Croatia/Lithuania.
Eight players from Enköping, a club with a 7-1-4 playing record this season. Forwards based on Enköping, a pack which has been pushed all over the park all season by the other three leading Swedish clubs. Backs based on Enköping who have recorded a 1 – 12 try count against Exiles at Årsta in the last few weeks.Alex Taylor, Andrew Daish and Andrew Saunders recorded as playing for Nuneaton, Old Albanians and Richmond, three clubs in the English national second division. No record of any of them playing for these clubs this season, at least for their first teams. Lee Sandberg plays regularly for North Walsham, a team in national division three. Sebastian Taylor is out of Old Habberdashers, a team which plays at level seven in English rugby, motto ”We never train”. Club website not updated since the summer. Interesting to know coach Mike Tatus thinking behind this selection and which channels he uses to obtain input.

To the Victor, the Spoils.

Tomorrow is the day that every rugby supporter in the land has been waiting for. Or at least those that are associated with Stockholm Exiles and Hammarby rugby clubs.
Since the beginning of time, or last Saturday at least, the sides have been preparing for this titanic battle, hoping and praying that they will get the victory that takes them closer to the tape. Both clubs are being guided by Australian coaches, who have forsaken the delights of their homeland for the obvious benefits that Sweden's weather has to offer,  so this promises to be a spectacle that nobody connected with rugby should miss. We will be there, will you?

Hammarby won the Elite league and have been promoting themselves as the favourites all season, they are confident that they can win the gold medal and end the season as top dogs, although the men in green and white struggled in their last three matches, losing two and winning one.Whilst Exiles have been quietly moving along in their own inimitable way and just getting on with playing,  the home side have been tearing up the park and running in some magnificent scores.
So who will gain the upper hand in Sweden Rugby's penultimate game? Despite all the propoganda and let's face it, this seems to happen every year, Stockholm Exiles have raised the bar and are currently playing some exciting rugby and since the summer break have remained unbeaten. Their players are quick, skillful and are quietly confident. Hammarby do have some good players and they in the main, play as a team, their wins over the other top teams during the season will have inspired confidence, so they will be full of it, yet we do not feel that the visitors are in the same class as their opponents and therefore we go for a home win and by enough points to make the second final a formality.
Of course the game will need a top referee and it is with relief that we see a neutral one from England visiting our shores to officiate this match. Let's hope that it is played in a fair and equitable manner and that the only discussion afterward is about the skills of the players and the spectacle. Good luck to both clubs!