Serbia’s U16s and U19s claimed victories over Norway in a double-header at FC Sava 45 Stadium, to win the 19th staging of the Belgrade Trophy.
In the first game, the debuting Vikings U16s led 6-0 at the break after a try from stand off Theodor Eidsavne Chongdee but two injuries in that opening period, both Filip Naparty and Henrik Abrahamsen Husebo suffering broken collarbones, ultimately told as they went down 24-12, following tries from Luka Gacic and Bogdan Djurovic.
In the U19s clash, Luka Trifunovic's try in the 76th minute - the hosts’ sixth - ensured a 28-22 victory in a top quality game.
Serbia U16s national team coach, Milos Stamenkovic, said: “I am grateful to Norway for the exceptional opportunity to play a competitive game which means a lot for our players, because this is how they develop best in the future. We continue to work and prepare for domestic development of this age group.”
His U19s counterpart, Vladislav Dedic, noted: “I am very satisfied with how we played, this was a perfect opponent for us after playing in the European U19s Championship and they gave us a great game and test. I hope at least one of the Serbia U19 players finds a place in the camp for the national team preparing for the RLWC qualifiers.”
Tim Jones coached both the Norway U16s and U19s and confirmed it had been a wonderful experience for the two travelling sides. “In the U16s, we ended up playing over half a game with 12 players but we really gave Serbia a test, I'm truly proud of my lads.
“Serbia are a good side at U19s and were coming off a tournament but my boys just dug in there and played really hard. They did themselves, their parents and their country proud with their efforts.. It is a vital next stepping stone in youth rugby in Norway, hopefully this will help us massively.”
Serbian RL general secretary, Vladan Kikanovic, noted: “I would like to thank Norway for the visit, I hope that we will have the means to reciprocate and visit Norway in 2025. Also, the City of Belgrade, the Secretariat for Sports and Youth, Mayor Aleksandar Sapic and the Secretary for Sports Nikola Penic for their exceptional help in the realization of the Belgrade Trophy.”