CYPRUS 21 - 22 ISRAEL
This was a very competitive and physical game with little to choose between the two nations. In the first half Israel proved to be the stronger side forcing Cyprus to defend. The continuous pressure paid off for the visitors who scored three times, converting one.
Israel finished the half leading Cyprus by 17 points to zero. Our Mighty Mouflons finished the half down but by no means out.
This was very much a game of two halves with our Mighty Mouflons starting the second half strong, fighting for each and every ball, applying pressure on Israel. This paid off with a try coming very soon after the start. In fact coming back into the game with three tries over their own, moreover with successful conversions taking the score to Cyprus 21, Israel 17.
With minutes to spare, Israel threw everything they had at our boys, our Mighty Mouflons stood strong until the final dying seconds of extra time. Cyprus went a man down following the referee's decision to issue a red card. In the final play Israel managed to score a try, winning the game by a single point.
Captain Billy Cosma stated post-match “Our boys showed real character coming back at Israel and taking the lead after the disappointing first half where we played well but didn’t get those valuable points on the board. We’re absolutely gutted to have lost the match on the final play. There are so many positives to take from the game that we’ll apply at our next game when we face Malta away”.
The next game will be away against Malta on 25thMarch 2023. Further updates will follow.
Written by Peter Antoniou, Head of CRF's UK Marketing
To view more shots from the match, click here to view the full album by Stephen Nicolaou Photography on Facebook.
Don't forget you can watch all the live action and catch replays on Rugby Europe TV (free account required to access live streams and replays).
The game was moved last minute, so a big thank you to all the people who made it happen; you know who you are! We would also like to say a massive thank you to Maroni Sporting Center and a special thank you to Mr Andreas, the love and support you have shown to Cyprus Rugby has been amazing.
We would also like to thank our sponsors:
Wembley Park Athletic Center - for sponsoring the live stream
Art Design - for getting the pitch ready
Stephen Nicolaou Photography - official photographer for Cyprus Rugby
Barleys Bar & Lounge - for hosting us on Saturday evening
Alfasports.TV - live stream broadcaster
Thank you to the matchday programme advertisers:
If you would like to sponsor Cyprus Rugby or have an advert in the matchday programme please email: marketing@cyprus-rugby.com