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.