The rainy weather played a part in the low scoring in both games this week. But the standard as a whole was not particularly high. I´m not sure there is any team at present worthy of the Swedish title, although one of Pingvin, Exiles or Enköping will be crowned in a few weeks´ time.

Troján had a number of useful players from Kalmar and they had put together a useful team for their home game against Exiles. The visitors had selected four starters from the bench of the week before and this raised their playing standard considerably. Both teams were throwing the ball around and Troján were holding their own initially. Exiles were, however, gradually getting the upper hand and on 12” flanker Nika S. went over after a forward drive. Ian Gowland, who was playing at standoff and taking the kicks, added the two points. Exiles continued to attack but were driven back continually by penalties where the offense committed was not always apparent. It took until.59” before Theo with a trademark run went over. And two minutes later Dave Hill went down the wing, kicked ahead and got the touchdown. Ian put over the two kicks and it was 21 – 0 to the visitors. Exiles were of course desperate to get a fourth try and a bonus point but Troján came back and on 63” Niclas Crona från Kalmar sliced through the centre for a lovely try.  Niclas usually plays as a flanker and is someone to keep an eye on. The minutes flashed by with Exiles on the offensive, but it was not until 85” on the clock that centre Nika K. finally found a way over the line. A welcome 5-pointer and Exiles still with a chance of taking the title. They had a bit more spark this week but will still need to raise their game for the final challenges; two at home to Enköping and Troján, one away to Pingvin.

The match down in Trelleborg was a pretty dull affair, although a lot was at stake. I can´t be the only one who finds it annoying that many of Pingvis´s games are played at snail´s pace with their pack walking slowly from set-piece to set-piece and with long discussions before each lineout. Every scrum is also reset several times, although Pingvin clearly had the upper hand. Both teams jumped well however when the ball was finally thrown in, despite at times heavy rain. I felt that Enköping were much more alert and the better team on the day, but they failed to register a try after three extended periods on the Pingvin line. Pingvin, however, true to form, scored their eighth consecutive try (in their last five matches) after a kick to the corner and a forward drive. They were helped once again in the last minute by the kicking skills of James Campbell. 10 – 9 to the home team and they are still in the driving seat towards the title. In the run-in they have Trojan and Exiles at home and, finally, Enköping away. A tough loss for Enköping, but they´re not entirely out the picture. They have a home match in hand against Troján, in addition Exiles and Troján away and the final game at home to Pingvin.

I´m not sure the standard of play in the Superseries has been all that high at times, nut it has been exciting with many close games. It could take until the final round before the final distribution of medals is decided after a hard-fought season.