GERMANY U16 v SERBIA U16

In windy and rainy conditions both teams contributed to a tough, closely contested match, which was decided by a dramatic last minute try from German lock Luis Marin. Germany had carved out an 8-0 lead only to see the visitors score two second half tries to even up the ledger, setting up Marin’s heroics.

The match, the second at this level between the two nations, was characterised by solid defensive effort and gritty fighting spirit. The Serbian defence allowed only Marin’s 16^th minute try in the first half, with the silky outside half collecting his own kick to finish in the right corner. Kai Jansen’s unsuccessful conversion made it 4-0 at the break.

In the second period 15-year-old German front row Marcel Danzer finished off a well constructed move from home three-quarters Korn and Mayer. Germany coach Tim Menzel then made a number of changes, and the break in the home side’s rhythm allowed the well drilled Serbians back into the contest.

Serbia mounted a series of assaults that paid off with two tries in quick succession, through Stefan Stanković and Marko Miolčić. After drawing level Serbia continued to pile on the pressure, with the German defenders tackling their opponents twice on the last backed up onto their own goal-line. But it was the impressive Marin who had the last laugh, breaking through three Serbian tackles on his way to a 25-metre, match-winning run down the sideline.

In addition to Marin, Germany’s wing duo of Angolan-born Kete Dominguez and Lukas Schmitt, as well as scrum-half Max Reinhard all made telling contributions to the victory. The thrilling climax has everyone looking forward to Sunday’s second match of the series.

GERMANY U16
Thomas Genthner, Kete Dominguez, Moritz Mayer, Christopher Korn, Lukas Schmitt, Kai Jansen, Max Reinhard, Felix Martel, Pirmin Stöhr, Marcel Danzer, Florian Rambow, Vincent Müller, Luis Marin. Subs: Clemens Höhr, Felix Krause, Jules Rippmann, Michael Heinl

SERBIA U16
Igor Petrovski, Miloš Vilotić, Marko Miolčić, Andrej Mora, Jovan Nedić, Nikola Vlahović, Stefan Stanković, Dragan Rančić, Nemanja Marković, Igor Jovičić, Milan ÄŒobanović, Vojin Miletić, ĐorÄ‘e Stošić. Subs: Vladan Marković,  Milenko Božić, Miloš Gajić,  Subs: Rajko Trifunović,