In the wake of the announcement that a European U19s tournament will take place in Serbia in August 2018, the hosts began their preparations by taking the 12th annual Belgrade Trophy, defeating Sofia 36-16.
The guests from Bulgaria gave an inspirational first half performance, trailing only 16-4 at the break but the greater experience of the Serbians told late on, with scrum half Stevan Ivanković completing an incredible six-try haul.
Second rower Kristian Pavlov scored 12 of the visitor’s points with a two tries and goals.
“We know how important the re-launching of U19 championships is for the sport and that’s why we have already started preparations, both as hosts and participant,” said SRLF general secretary Slobodan Manak.
“It was wonderful to welcome our friends from Bulgaria. Our plan is to have as many tests as possible for our team and for our venues in the lead up.”
BELGRADE U19 - 36
Ivan Andrić, Luka Rašković, Veljko Stanković, Miloš Grabovica, Igor Grabovica, Vuk Tomić, Stevan Ivanković, Paja Šeljkić, Mihailo Tomić, AnÄ‘elko Kopunović, Stefan Cvetković, Stefan Milinković, Miloš Tasić, Ognjen Stojiljković, Aleksandar Štefulo, Jovan Tošić, Vuk Savanović.
Tries: Stevan Ivanković (10, 17, 33, 60, 65, 69), Veljko Stanković (16)
Goals: Vuk Tomić 4/7
SOFIA U19 – 16
Alexander Alexandrov, Milen Nikolov, Marian Penev, Alex Arsov, Kris Arsov, Denis Ivanov, Kristian Ivanov, Svetislav Ivanov, Stefan Dimitrov, Vladimir Ignatov, Kristian Pavlov, Viktor Sokolov, Kostadin Ivanov, Svetlin Ivanov, Nikolai Dimchev, Petar Mihailov, Dimitar Chanev.
Tries: Kristian Pavlov (29, 46), Kris Arsov (56)
Goals: Kristian Pavlov 2/3
Half time: 16-4