Belgium 5 - Rest of the World 9 !!
Congratulations to the Rest of the World who were victorious over Belgium in Touch Belgium's annual Christmas Challenge Cup. With Belgium winning the inaugaral 2007 and 2008 Challenges, 2009 sees the first victory by the Rest of the World.
Although near consistent rainfall over the last few weeks has left the pitch in conditions which can be charitably called "less than ideal", the rain had abated for most of the day allowing the pitch to drain (a little) and for us to play in unseasonally mild conditions.
A great turn out from the Kituru boys saw a nigh fully eligible Belgium team at 13/14 proper Belgians. An excellent show.
This allowed for some fantastic individual flair, great speed and some cheeky lines being cut.
However, it was the more regular players from the Rest of the World who played a tight defensive game and communicated excellently to limit the Belgian progression. Belgium were shut down time and time again and often in their own half. The Rest of the World drove well and hard and had Belgium under pressure on the back foot more often than not. A number of set piece moves and a few opportunistic gaps had the ball over the line.
With the half time score at Belgium 3 RoW 4 it was still very much an open game.
The second half saw more of the same from the RoW, hard, consistent driving putting Belgium under pressure. With Belgium unable to retaliate, their cohesion began to drop and the frustration began to creep in. Lacking confidence in each other there was more dependance on individual flair and more risk taking. This failed to pay off and the Rest of the World punished them mercilessly. A missed opportunity in the very final minute saw a great spiritied and fairly played match end at Belgium 5 Rest of the World 9.
Such a great turn out from Belgium bodes very well for the 2010 Euros where Belgium intends to enter 3 teams, a mixed, mens and ladies team. More info very shortly.
Jonathon Ralfe,
President,
Touch Belgium
