The 2011 Italian Cup of Rugby League has a holder: Burton Etruschi Perugia!!!
On Sunday, March 20 2011 was held under the patronage of the VIII City Hall and the District Committee of Borghesiana, the first Coppa Italia finals branded by the Italia RFL. Rugby League returned to carve out a space in winter after 50 years since the last gasps of FIAG 13. It’s an experiment, mind you, the first date that we hope to renew for the next year of activity. One way to raise awareness of this code and introduce to the Italian sports and athletes.
The four teams that were presented on the field of the Hotel la Borghesiana, also training venue of the national Rugby Union and Football, in front of about a hundred spectators were Sicilians Briganti Librino XIII and Fenice Belpasso, the Romans Portaportese Rugby (Rugby Roma 2000) and Burton Etruschi Perugia.
The first semi-final, played over two 20 minute halves saw the battle of the Briganti (Bandits) and the Portaportese. Initially the Librino boys engaged the Romans with good ball possession and managed to cross the goal line for the first time. The good game in the early stages was followed by a decline in physical condition and the Roman backs began to make their most tried and tested experience. Although the Sicilians were well able to contain the Romans, Rugby Roma 2000 began to mark points as they crushed the goal line several times. In the second half the game resumed with Rome still ahead, the bandits were able to lighten their game relieving the pressure points of the encounter also trying a few “up and under” kicks but this was found on the opposite end with good reception. Despite Librino had managed to mark a second goal, the Romans have finally increased the distance in bringing it up to the final score of 28-08 that opened the way to the final of the Portaportese boys.
The second semi-final saw the boys of Burton Etruschi Perugia, among whose ranks includes some Gladiators, who won the 2010 Championship, and the second team (from Sicily), the Fenice (Phoenix) Belpasso, winner of the round from the island. Perugia fielding more experience and a team accustomed to a higher level and took the turn that immediately makes the game clearly notable. Despite a strong defense and continual tackles the Etruschi scored several tries with Franzoni, Tavutunawailala and Angelini. The extreme Marchetti conversions stretching the score. Ending as 32-00 for boys of Perugia.
The final was played in two 30 minute halves, it was a balanced match where both teams had relied on some elements already familiar with the Rugby League. Despite the substantial balance in the field, it was Perugia forces which fixed the Portaportese defence. The constant pressure of the Umbrian lead to the try of Avanti Tagliavento. The match continued and the Etruscans were unable to find suitable space between the link of the Rugby Roma 2000 defence, until two further occasions with Tavutunawailala and Marchetti. The Perugian kicker managed to convert two out of three, while the try of Valerio Amodeo gave some justice to a good match played by the Roman team as he converted his own try. The final ends 14-8.
In the interlude between the semi finals, Nick Zisti, former NRL, National Union and now Italia RFL Development Consultant, introduced the players to the Oz Tag Rugby (Tag Rugby) a further code that expands the view of the possibility of penetration into the oval games for Italia RFL.
The first Italia Cup goes to the Perugini boys, able at overcoming obstacles quickly and positively in welcome the initiative to play Rugby League.
The Italia RFL wants to forward to all teams that participated: Burton Etruschi and Grifoni Perugia, Belpasso, Briganti, CUS , Catania Rugby 2009, Portaportese and Corsari Rugby with congratulations on the successfully completing the mission, having had the courage and ambition to do so. To all of you, the players and clubs are our most sincere thanks.
Hoping to make the League to the best of opportunities that will be offered, the Italia RFL welcomes the appointment in June, for their second championship.
Thanks!!!
Results and Teams:
Biganti Librino XIII 08 – 28 Portaportese Rugby
Briganti Librino XIII: 14 T.Garufi, 07 D.Arona, 90 I.Trapani, 09 A.Scaofari, 23 S.Martellucci, 02 W.Vassallo, 03 D.Mammino, 80 F.P.Marolla, 26 F.Lombardo, 69 M.Pannucio, 37 D.Curci, 29 A.Toscano, 01 S.Curcuruto. A Disposizione: 04 G.Longo, 41 S.Catania, 00 S.Ganci, 67 M.Bondok. All. U.Bonaccorsi
Portaportese Rugby: 11 V.Amodeo, 13 N.Poretti, 21 C.Penetrani, 20 G.Sciuppi, 17 M.Salvi, 06 F.Coculo, 07 C.Lavini, 02 S.Fom, 22 T.Raspagliosi, 15 L.Rotella, 16 S.Bucchia, 01 L.Di Luia, 13 T.Coltellacci. A Disposizione: 23 A.Sorrento, 12 A.Bernardi, 19 F.Calì, 18 S.CAppucci. All. R.Ciotti
Burton Etruschi Perugia 32 – 00 Fenice Belpasso
Burton Etruschi Perugia: 01 M.Pacchera, 02 F.Bicone, 03 D.Gioe, 05 F.Franzoni, 06 M.Santori, 07 A.Tagliavento, 08 A.Speziali, 09 A.Ferrini, 10 A.Goracci, 11 A.Corbucci, 12 M.Marchetti, 13 A.Palazzetti. A Disposizione: 14 F.Barcaccia, 15 M.Tavutunawailala, 16 M.Bresciani, 17 D.Cilo. All. A.Tagliavento, Acc. C.Epifani
Fenice Belpasso: 01 M.Lombrado, 02 C.Scardaci, 03 G.Mio, 04 F.Russo, 05 O.Finocchiaro, 06 M.Consoli, 07 D.Scafili, 08 M.Condorelli, 09 P.Basilio, 10 C.Finocchiaro, 11 G.Valadà, 12 A.Guglielmino, 13 A.Samperi. Disposizione: 14 G.Spina, 16 G.Rizzo, 17 A.Russo, 18 C.Jagic. All. A.Magrì, Acc. M.Pellegrino
Burton Etruschi Perugia 14 – 06 Portaportese Rugby
Burton Etruschi Perugia: 01 M.Pacchera, 02 F.Bicone, 03 D.Gioe, 05 F.Franzoni, 06 M.Santori, 07 A.Tagliavento, 08 A.Speziali, 09 A.Ferrini, 10 A.Goracci, 11 A.Corbucci, 12 M.Marchetti, 13 A.Palazzetti. A Disposizione: 14 F.Barcaccia, 15 M.Tavutunawailala, 16 M.Bresciani, 17 D.Cilo. All. A.Tagliavento, Acc. C.Epifani
Portaportese Rugby: 11 V.Amodeo, 13 N.Poretti, 21 C.Penetrani, 20 G.Sciuppi, 17 M.Salvi, 06 F.Coculo, 07 C.Lavini, 02 S.Fom, 22 T.Raspagliosi, 15 L.Rotella, 16 S.Bucchia, 01 L.Di Luia, 13 T.Coltellacci. A Disposizione: 23 A.Sorrento, 12 A.Bernardi, 19 F.Calì, 18 S.CAppucci. All. R.Ciotti