Moldova bounce back
Moldova, relegated from the European Trophy last year, bounced straight back, comfortably winning the European Conference in Belgrade. Slovakia were also promoted
Published by John Birch, June 8th, 2024
2 minute read
Moldova have bounced straight back to the next year’s European Trophy, conceding just three tries over the weekend in Belgrade, two of which were in the final against Slovakia.
The other try was conceded against Estonia, who finished 8th, but scored against the eventual champions in their opening game.
The Conference is often unpredictable, and Slovakia, who will also be promoted for the first time. They put in one of their best ever performances including a 33-5 win against Bulgaria (who were also relegated from the Trophy last year) and a 27-0 win against Croatia to win their pool. Next year’s Trophy will be the first time that Slovakia will have played in the second tier of European Sevens.
Results
Pool A: Lithuania 20-0 Malta; Moldova 64-5 Estonia; Lithuania 50-0 Estonia; Moldova 47-0 Malta; Malta 37-4 Estonia; Moldova 34-0 Lithuania
Pool B: Bulgaria 43-7 Luxembourg; Slovakia 27-0 Croatia; Bulgaria 5-19 Croatia; Slovakia 41-0 Luxembourg; Croatia 20-5 Luxembourg; Bulgaria 5-33 Slovakia
5th-8th Place Semi Finals: Bulgaria 36-0 Estonia; Malta 30-0 Luxembourg
Semi-Finals: Moldova 36-0 Croatia. Slovakia 26-7 Lithuania
7th Place: Estonia 0-41 Luxembourg
5th Place: Bulgaria 12-24 Malta
3rd Place: Croatia 10-24 Lithuania
Final: Moldova 24-10 Slovakia