The oldest club in the Ukraine, Legion XIII from Kharkov, claimed the championship crown, defeating Crimea-based CEPU from Simferopol in the Grand Final, 36-6. Donetsk Titans finished third place in the eight-team competition with a 24-6 triumph over Kribass of Krivoy Rog following a double-header at the Star Stadium in Kharkov, in a highly prestigious event in the country.

“CEPU is improving every year,” said Ukrainian Federation of Rugby League president Artur Martyrosyan. “They participated initially in 2012 and came fourth. Last year they were third and now they are proud finalists. They are an example of what we are trying to achieve and Legion are still the benchmark.”

The UFRL used the finals day to present the season’s awards. Legion XIII captain Aleksandr Skorbach finished as the highest scorer in the league, while each team presented a best forward and best back award.

“The UFRL would like to express its deep gratitude to all the teams for the outstanding responsibility and dedication to their chosen sport,” enthused Martyrosyan, who has led UFRL in dramatic growth in recent years despite the continuing political crisis and difficulties of travel. "Special thanks go to the great match officials, to the deputy head of sport and youth affairs of Kharkov, Konstantin Kurashov, and the regional head, Vitaliy Kirilenko,” he added.

Pictured: Action from the final.