2010 European Touch Championships Day 1

The 8th European Touch Championships were opened on Thursday 22nd July 2010.

Belgium’s campaign started 15:30 Pitch 3 versus Jersey.

Always a tough match against Jersey, a strong, fast, physical team who are well drilled, creative and highly skilled.

Belgium took it to them hard though.  Having lost the toss and therefore the kickoff, Belgium’s strong defence denied Jersey sight of the line and retaliated in a comprehensive set of drives which gained us the five.  A penalty for offside granted us six more and a cool, clear headed team brought it back to set up the Killer.  It was executed well and Belgium were tantalisingly close to scoring from first possession.

A fast and sharp half ensued with Belgium’s impressive defence locking out Jersey time and time again, for almost 10 minutes there was no try.  Belgium had their opportunities and were unlucky to not get across.  Good solid refereeing kept the game flowing in open play and tightly competitive on the line.

Jersey broke the tie however with a strong long cut to an unguarded winger.  3 more followed with Jersey showing some impressive pace at scoop and a sharp step off half.

Half time score : Belgium 0 Jersey 4

Belgium however, were pleased with their performance, although comms could have come up some and drives been tighter, first game nerves had been banished and they were attacking well, defending solidly and moving the ball with confidence.  It was a confident Belgium that retook the field.

Jersey appeared to shift focus to the middle a little with a number of switches, wraps and bows pulling the Belgium defence inside to allow a faster paced strike out, many touches set up a foot race with the half pushing through.

Belgium found themselves in a similar position but several successful scoops were unable to find hands at the line.

Two more tries were suffered before Belgium found their opportunity: Two settles on the left wing before a cut across the centre and Ralfe switches with Gin who dummies then steps left, dummies a second then steps right, scoring between the two!  Belgium 1 Jersey 6

Shortly after Jersey retaliate with a drive set right, a fast paced pull to the left which has Belgium out of position and a footrace back out right: Belgium 1 Jersey 7

Its Belgium again though as a dump at centre field 6m has Ralfe scooping and charging across the line but running out of space.  A frantic long pass back inside can only hope to stay afloat long enough to reach Bannon but its Ding who plucks it early from the air and smashes it to ground.  Belgium 2 Jersey 7

Belgium are now striking strongly, occupying the Jersey half and have multiple chances on the line.  Belgium have found their stride.

Although Jersey gain another with a fast half breakthrough and although mirroring worked well, Jersey found hands.  Belgium 2 – Jersey 8.

A series of Jersey cross fields causes some confusion and following a touch there’s a clash of players and Captain Lacrosse goes down hard.  Too hard.  She stays down.  Play is stopped and medical assistance called for.  While a stretcher is brought over and medical support administered, time ticks on and the match is called. 

Final Score: Belgium 2 – Jersey 8.

Following a number of scans, x-rays and precautionary checks, Gin is able to rejoin us at the Opening Ceremony with nothing broken but some impressive bruising!

Despite the score line a good performance for Belgium.  An impressive Ireland giving France a lot of trouble sets up an interesting 8am match tomorrow and an Austrian defeat of Scotland upsets the apple cart for later.

Allez Belgium!

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