Centre Pero Madžarević’s late try gave ‘Team Bev’ a thrilling 42-40 win in the fourth Risman Cup, the now-traditional opener to the Serbian domestic season. The Cup, named after Hall of Famer Gus Risman, sees sides playing representing his sons, eldest John playing a key part in the development of the sport in the country after it was re-founded in 2001.

The match showcases the best talent from local clubs and ‘Team Bev’ quickly stormed to 22-0 lead, posting the opening four tries. By half time, however, the holders had cut the deficit to 32-18 and the turnaround was complete by the 65^th minute when second-rower Mile Potkoljnjak crossed for ‘Team John’s fourth unanswered try. But in the dying minutes Madžarević’s second touchdown, converted by  Džavid Jašari gave ‘Team Bev’ the bragging rights this year.

The game was also a good test for the Serbian national team which is aiming to expand its player base for the 2017 World Cup Qualifiers to be played later in the year. The club season starts in early March.

TEAM JOHN 40
Dragan Janković, Miloš Đurković, Leo Dodić, Aleksa Radić, Stefan Arsić, Branko Čarapić, Vladimir Milutinović, Žarko Kovačević, Stefan. Vukanović, Nikola Srbljanin, Miodrag Tomić, Mile Potkoljnjak, Stefan. Nedeljković. Subs: Slobodan Manak, Velibor Ristić, Mihajlo Jović.

Tries: Stefan Nedeljković (17’), Dragan Janković (27’, 65’), Žarko Kovačević (40’, 49’), Nikola Srbljanin (46’), Mile Potkoljnjak (54’). Goals: Stefan Nedeljković 6/7.

TEAM BEV 42
Pavle Vojinović, Petar Milanović, Miloš Čalić, Pero Madžarević, Džavid Jašari, Dragan Vasiljević, Vlado Kušić, Vladislav Dedić, Stefan Ilić, Milan Čobanović, Miloš Aleksić, Marko Milenković, Dario Abidinović. Subs: Ivan Ivanović, Vladan Stanić, Lazar Kojić, Nemanja Božić.

Tries: Pero Madžarević  (2’, 75’), Petar Milanović (6’), Marko Milenković (10’), Džavid Jašari (13’), Vlado Kušić (33’), Dragan Vasiljević (36’), Nemanja Božić (43’). Goals: Džavid Jašari 5/8.