Pingvin came up to Stockholm with an 11 point lead after the first
league game, perhaps a bit fortuitous as the final seven-pointer resulted from
a knock forward not noticed by the referee. The match in Stockholm was a tough
one with Exiles having the edge but not taking their chances. Leading 10 – 0 at
half time, a couple of blunders gave Pingvin the chance to draw level and it
was only in the last half hour that Exiles began to get on top. Several missed
kicks meant that Exiles still only led 20 – 10 with a few minutes to go before
a simple penalty gave them the points required for a final home game.
This result probably dented Pingvin´s confidence and they have not played well against an Enköping side which only lost by 6 aggregate points in the semis. Pingvin have had to play their best team throughout while Exiles have been able to rest players and still win their semis comfortably.
Some statistics: Exiles beat Enköping 55 – 0 on August 10, with Enköping fielding 9 to 10 of the players facing Pingvin in the semis. Pingvin last week fielded 6 Swedes, 5 Giorgians and 4 other recently arrived guests. Exiles had 6 Swedes, 3 Georgians and 6 others, only one of whom started playing for Exiles this year. They also had 5 internationals on the bench. In the semis the Exiles´ try count was 18 – 1, Pingvin 5 – 4. In the league the figures were Exiles 94 – 7, Pingvin 54 – 6. All together Exiles 112 – 8, Pingvin 59 – 10.
Superficially, Exiles would seem to go into the finals with a slight advantage, but a certain amount of caution should be shown. Pingvin have had a strong defence throughout the season and it is only in the last few weeks that they have weakened somewhat. The decisive factor over the two finals could well be Exiles´ strength in depth; they have close to 20 internationals on their books and a number of others rapidly approaching “3-year status”. This is their 19th final in a row and they will be very unwilling to lose their title after seven years on the trot.
Meanwhile, Exiles Ladies have been undefeated all season and they travel to meet the other undefeated team, Vänersborg. These have been Swedish champions for the last two years, mainly due to the efforts of Minonna Nunstedt. She has, however, been injured this season and there have been reports of schisms within the Vänersborg camp. Exiles have put in solid performances throughout the short 15-a-side season, including a 19 – 5 win against Pingvin. The return of perhaps Sweden´s best player, Rebecca Kearney, has strengthened Exiles and I feel they should be strong enough to win the game and the league and to have home advantage in a probable one-off semi and final.
Summing-up, a big day for Exiles where they will be hoping to take steps towards the double which they last achieved three years ago.
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