Netherlands were ranked first before the Euro Women’s Rugby Championship and they proved their status with wins over Switzerland on day one with a score of 39-0 and Belgium in the Euro Women’s Championship Final 12-3.
The final was hotly contested with tries in each half from Mireille Nieuwenhuis and Asia Udding of Netherlands was the difference. Belgium was on the board first after a quick penalty and a yellow card to Netherlands player Marlieke Broer. Belguim then gave up tries when Cathy De Geyter and Stephanie Lepage were yellow carded in the first and second half.
A fourth card to Belgium’s Imara van loon seemed to seal their fate as the game ended 12-3 in Netherlands favor. This win puts Netherlands as Europe’s 8th ranked team and Belgium is 9th.
The third place playoff between Russia and Switzerland was a tight affair with a half time score of 19-14 in Switzerland in the lead. After the half each team put points on the board but a late try from Russian replacement Polina Stoliarova moved the dial in Russia’s favor to win 24-31. Russia grabs the 10th seed while Switzerland is ranked 11th in Europe.
This weekend had another significance as it was the 30th Anniversary of the Switzerland Women’s Test Rugby.
2014 Women’s European Trophy Results
October 30
Netherlands 39-0 Switzerland
Russia 7-29 Belgium
November 2
Third place play-off: Switzerland 24-31 Russia
Final: Netherlands 12-3 Belgium