THERE was another bout of international rugby in Sofia when, on May 15, Belgian side the Brussels Barbarians took on the local National Sports Academy Rugby Club (NSARC).
The wet Sunday afternoon match promised hot competition, with both sides prominent in their respective leagues. The 42-19 result in favour of the Brussels Barbarians did not reflect the intensity of the match. Both sides fought with vigour and pride, giving nothing away.
Brussels ran in the first try but was unable to convert the bonus two points, taking a 5-0 lead. NSARC came back quickly with a break to score and convert, taking the lead 7-5.
The game's intensity lifted, with both sides finding their rhythm after the rain provided a shaky and slippery start. Brussels answered the local side's lead with another try, but the touring side's kicker was not on target and left his side with a narrow lead of just three points.
At half time, Brussels led by just one point with the score at 15-14 leaving the crowd wondering who would emerge the winners.
After a half-time break that was shortened to just five minutes because of heavy rain, fitness came into play as a factor. The touring side found gaps in the NSARC defence, enabling them to eventually run away with the game.
Brussels Barbarian coach Howard Bevan said: "We came on tour to enjoy the game, put on a good fight and take away personal pride. It's not about winning or losing, but how the game is played and about a game of rugby."
The Brussels Barbarians, who arrived early on Saturday morning after flight delays, finished third in their local competition. The Belgians are hoping to win their respective championship on May 29, to complete a very successful season.
NSARC fielded a young up and coming side that showed a lot of promise. They are currently running second in Bulgaria's western region rugby competition, with the last game of the competition next Sunday. They will meet the top sides of the eastern competition in the semi-finals on June 11, and hold high hopes of finishing third in the national league finals on June 18 and 19.