A superb try saving tackle by outstanding
Dutch full back Rudy Stanford-Smyth
prevented the Czech Republic from
a possible share of the spoils on
their first foray onto foreign soil.
There were huge positives for both
nations in a terrific, flowing encounter;
the Dutch fielding a predominantly
home-based side showing great resolve
to secure victory while the European
newcomers proved that they have the
talent to be competitive.
Click
here for Netherlands v Czech Photo
Gallery
Holland made a great start, racing
to a 14-0 lead in the opening quarter
hour as the Czech's failed to complete
their sets of six giving good field
position to the men in Orange. Nottingham
Outlaws' Phil Parkinson opened the
scoring, with the excellent Stanford-Smyth
crossing twice in three minutes as
he linked decisively from the back.
The visitors, initially suffering
from the after-effects of a 1000km
bus journey, began to find their feet,
with stand off Michal Kucera at the
heart of their best work. Prop Premek
Brádle skittled the defence to power
his way over and strong running second
rower Josef Kucera posted the first
of his three tries to reduce the gap
to four points. On the stroke of half
time, experienced Dutch scrum half
Jorik Moree skipped clear and away
for a fine solo try, Aaron de Jager's
second conversion making it 20-10
at the break.
Within ten minutes of the re-start
the Dutch had doubled their advantage,
confidently spreading the ball wide
to create touchdowns for wingmen Cameron
Stewart and Jamie Groeneweg. Michal
and Josef Kucera replied, with Michal
converting both efforts to bring the
score to 30-22, only for Moree to
produce another expertly timed dart
on the 70th minute for the hosts.
Josef Kucera deservedly completed
his try treble to set up a tense finish,
Standford-Smyth securing victory with
his heroic late tackle. European Rugby
League Development Officer Kevin Rudd,
who oversaw the clash, commented;
"I would like to pay tribute
to the Czech squad who conducted themselves
superbly on and off the field and
made great efforts to play the match.
Their sporting spirit was admirable
and they are a welcome addition to
the growing European Rugby League
family." Czech General Secretary
Milan Mrtynek added, "That was
a great learning experience for us
and all the guys enjoyed the game.
We look forward to more Rugby League
and welcoming more teams to Prague
to give us further experience."
Netherlands RL President Ian Thompson
was equally enthusiastic, "It
was a fantastic display of open rugby
with great flair and attacking play
from both sides. With ninety per cent
of our squad from Holland, that was
a great development for us" he
said.
HOLLAND 1. Rudy Stanford-Smyth, 2.
Jamie Groeneweg, 3. Jon Mckenzie,
4. Ronald van den Broek, 5. Cameron
Stewart, 6. Benji Blom, 7. Jorik Moree,
8. Phil Parkinson, 9. Bernie van Holstein,
10. Vincent Grimbergen, 11. Caine
Roseboom, 12. Raymond den Engelsman,
13. Aaron de Jager Subs (all used),
14. Eric Israel, 15. Benjamin Bosgeiter,
16. Justin Roseboom, 17. Jason Brygoms
Tries: Parkinson (4), Stanford-Smyth
(12, 15), Moree (39, 70), Stewart
(43), Groeneweg (50)
Goals: De Jager 3
CZECH REPUBLIC 1. Priputen Michal,
2. Ciporanov Tomáš, 3. Mulhall Andrew,
4. Mana Marcel, 5. Safranek David,
6. Kucera Michal, 7. Poledna Patrik,
8. Brádle Premek, 9. Stríbrný Jaroslav,
10. Benda Jan, 11. Verbich Petr, 12.
Kucera Josef, 13. Mrtýnek Milan Subs
(all used), 14. Holovský Tomáš, 15.
Vinecký Roman, 16. Paukner Martin,
17. Kurka Tomáš
Tries: Brádle (4), J. Kucera (36,
56, 72), M. Kucera (60)
Goals: M.Kucera 4
MEN OF THE MATCH
HOLLAND - Rudy Stanford-Smyth
CZECH REPUBLIC - Josef Kucera
Half time: 20-10
