Two tries from fullback Dominik Fiser helped Mad Squirrels Vrchlabi defend their Czech Rugby League title, defeating Krupka Dragons 32-10 in the Grand Final on their home ground. The Mad Squirrels went through the domestic, four team season unbeaten to claim top spot and home advantage in the decider and dominated from the opening whistle, leading 18-4 at half time.

Mad Squirrels president and coach, David Lahr, commented: “Winning the title in 2022 and 2023 is the result of long-term work with youth. After the winning our first championship last year we lost some players due to moving for work or studies that had a great influence on our side, Taras Turkevyč, Matěj Greenwood, Martin Kubát and Matěj Mečíř.

“Fortunately, the juniors stepped up and we managed to maintain the same quality of play. Seeing how skilled players are growing in our U14 and U16 teams, we would like to maintain this winning streak and of course set an example for other clubs.”

Lahr added: “This final was not only about the joy of victory, but we said goodbye to Jan Howard as a player at the age of 39. He played for Vrchlabí for more than 10 years and was always a man you wanted to have next to you. He is not done with rugby league and is now coaching our U16s team. Next year we would like to play several matches against foreign opponents at our level.”

The Czech Rugby League Association’s focus is now on their international match against Netherlands on 28 October in Vrchlabi.

Mad Squirrels
Dominik Fiser, Tomsa Kasik, Matej Schejbal, Daniel Rypl, Antonin Hron, Patrik Kminek, Jakub Hudrlik, Leonardo di Leonardis, Jan Kubat, Josef Chuchlik, Jakub Jirman, David Belohlavek, Pavel, Mejstrik
Subs: Tomas Brejtr, Jan Hovard, Krystof Pecold, Tobias Herman

Tries: Fiser (2), Kubat, Hron, Kasík, Rypl
Goals: Hudrlík 4/6

Krupka Dragons
Daniel Vesely, Jiry Stabl, Matej Soukup, Robin Ivanco, Pavel Rychly, Antonin Berk jr, Jaroslav Bzoch, Jan Zwettler, Jakub Czermak, Martin Nasticky, Vit Studecky, Patrik Zendeli, Filip Daniel Kittl
Subs: Asntonin Emil Berk, Miroslav Hadrava, Tomas Reznicek, Karel Lafant

Tries: Soukup, Kittl
Goals: Vesely 1/2