Ukraine have been promoted from Euro C following their 34-6 victory over Greece at Pasian Di Prato, Udine, Italy. Led by halfback Jett Cleary, Ukraine posted six tries in another comprehensive performance after their win over Italy at the weekend.

“It’s fantastic being part of this event and I have to thank all who made it happen, this is massive for the nation,” said Ukraine head coach Dan Beardshaw. “I’ve been really impressed with our domestic players, they’re the ones who have won us this title against tough opposition. They have really stepped up and shown the strength of our competition.”

Beardshaw added: “There was one point in the first half when we defended eight sets back-to-back on our own line, including a couple of drop outs, and turned them away and I was so impressed and proud of the way the boys wanted to dig in for each other.”

Backrower Jonah Ngaronoa opened the scoring early for Ukraine backing up a 70 metre break from Danylo Vedler, Greece replying when fullback Tyrone Tsagalias crossed and converted his own score.

The remainder of the first half belonged to Ukraine with Cleary pulling the strings, Owen Hromow, Zayn Sluvinksky and Victor Tereskzo, just before the break, all going over to make it 22-6. Ukraine’s forward dominance led to late scores in the second half from fullback Yuri Hromow who weaved his way through the Greece defence having picked up a loose ball and substitute Lviv Tigers’ Valerii Popeliuk, fittingly converted by Cleary for the final points.

Greece head coach, Steve Georgallis, noted: “It was a disappointing first half. We got back in the game in the second but too many errors early on cost us. Ukraine were excellent, very physical and defended well on their try line. All credit to them.” 

Greece face Italy at the same venue on Saturday to determine who is relegated from Euro C.