Belgrade city derby between Radnicki New Belgrade and Red Kangaroos kicked off on Friday eventful 1. round of Balkan Super League’s third season. Close win by Radnicki (28:26) was a great introduction for action packed Sunday that featured three matches, headlined by double header in Sofia.
Regional championship set a new record for this season with 14 teams from eight countries competing in two Divisions and opening matches didn’t disappoint. Serbian teams were dominant in first two years, but could only split result in their game over the weekend.
Former Serbian champions, Dorcol opened Sofia mini rugby league marathon with expected loss against Greek Aris – 52:6. Ambitious club from Athens made the most from Dorcol’s team problems as former Serbian powerhouse had exodus of players over the winter.
With sided aided with players from Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, Dorcol haven’t been a real threat to Greeks. Aris win at the start makes them a real contender in Group A, where other match between BSL holders Red Star and Italian debutants Lignano has been postponed.
In other Sofia’s match, hosts Locomotive didn’t have enough firepower to prevail over Serbian Radnicki Nis – 40:10. It was another big win in successive weekend for Radnicki Nis after securing promotion in Serbian Rugby League Championship for the rest of the season. Also in Group B, Turkish champions Kadikoy and Serbian side Partisan will reschedule their 1. round match.
Massive starting weekend was rounded with another Second Division duel. Bosnia and Herzegovina representative FIS Vitez took a home loss from Albanian Tirana – 46:6.
Results 1. round Balkan Super League: First Division (Group A) Dorcol Spiders – Aris Eagles 6:52, Lignano Sharks – Red Star (postponed), (Group B) Locomotive – Radnicki Nis 10:40, Kadikoy Bulls – Partisan (postponed). Second Division (Group A) FIS Vitez – Tirana 6:46, (Groupa B) Radnicki New Belgrade – Red Kangaroos 28:26.
