Dorcol continued their domination in the Serbian Rugby League Federation Cup with an eleventh consecutive win, remaining unbeaten in the modern era, but they had to come from behind to see off the challenge of rivals Red Star, 38-34, in a thriller at the Makiš stadium in Belgrade.
The lead changed hands multiple times to keep the crowd on their feet throughout, with winner decided two minutes from time with a try and conversion by inspirational Serbian captain Dalibor Vukanovic, as Red Star’s late indiscipline cost them.
Red Star, the reigning Serbian champions, raced in to a 24-4 lead, Miloš Calic with two tries, Vladislav Dedic and Denis Cengaj one each, Vojislav Dedic with the goals to them all.
Stevan Stevanovic got Dorcol on the board and they dominated the final ten minutes of the opening half, with tries from Aleksa Radic, Milan Avramovic and Vukanovic who kicked two conversions to make it 24-20 at the break.
Dorćol took the lead in the 46th minute with Stevanovic’s second try and a Vukanovic goal. Red Star responded when Serbian international Vladica Nikolic got on the score sheet, Vojislav Dedic with the extras but again Dorcol hit back just after the hour mark when Stevanovic completed his hat-trick and Vukanovic again converted.
Red Star established an advantage again with six minutes to go through an unconverted Miloš Zogovic try but Vukanovic had the decisive say.
Both clubs will now continue their chase of Partizan, who have emerged as the leaders after the first half of national championship.
In a double-header, Radnicki Nova Pazova won the Serbian Shield, 58-32, against Soko.
DORĆOL: 38 (20)
Andrej Mora, Milan Avramovic, Relja Petrovic, Aleksa Radic, Stefan Vukanovic, Dimitris Dajc, Dalibor Vukanovic (capt.), Miloš Aleksic, Milan Zobanovic, Stevan Stevanovic, Stefan Nedeljkovic, Nikola Pavlovic, Mirko Bozovic, Rade Spajic, Sergej Devetak.
Tries: Stevanovic (6', 46', 62'), Radic (33'), Vukanovic (39', 78'), Avramovic (40').
Goals: Vukanović 5/7.
RED STAR: 34 (24)
Miloš Zogovic, Nenad Zujic, Aleksandar Predojevic, Rajko Trifunovic, Zoran Peric, Denis Cengaj, Nikola Zuric, Miloš Calic, Nikola Äuric, Vuk Štrbac, Dragan Vukosavljevic, Vojislav Dedic, Vojislav Dedic (capt.), Nikola Vulic, Slobodan Manak, Miodrag Tomic, Miloš Kostandinovic, Vladica Nikolic.
Tries: Vladislav Dedic (3'), Calic (18', 28'), Cengaj (20'), Nikolic (55'), Zogovic (74').
Goals: Vojislav Dedic 5/6.