The latest round of the German Rugby League tournament circuit took place in Gnarrenburg, northern Germany. Many of the 40 players travelled for over four hours to take part as Bund (country) once again took on Land (the state of North-Rhine Westphalia).

Bund – superbly led by Karsten Brüning – were ahead 14–6 at half time and, following a tremendous second half, held on to triumph 32-24 the highlight of which was a Basti Peters 55-metre solo try when he danced through a host of would-be tacklers.

Land responded, moving the ball through six pairs of hands for Zak Bredin to score in the left corner, part of a hat trick for the winger but Rico Wall posted Bund’s winning score a minute from time. Despite being on the losing side the player of the match was ex-London Bronco Eddie Briggs.

“His work-rate was exemplary, both in defence and attack,” said Bob Doughton, joint-coach of the German national team who also refereed the match. “The try he scored was one of the best I’ve seen in Germany, he timed his 20 metre run to the line to perfection and sliced through the defence. This was another fantastic day. The standard of play was very good and the effort of all the players needs to be complimented. Hosts Karlshöfen were most welcoming. Their youth team was in attendance with their mums who had baked so many cakes that the players couldn’t finish them!”