A later than usual spring due to long cold spells delayed the start of the Russian championship from April to May, but the first of Russia’s regional competitions, now collectively under the aegis of the Russian Association or RARLC following their October 2010 mandate to serve as the governing body in Russia, finally got underway in Rostov-on-Don, the capital city of Russia’s southern district. The senior competition, the Centre Conference, is due to kick off its six-club, ten-round programme next weekend, but the Rostov-based South Conference commenced with a double-header at the Aviator Stadium last weekend. “I am very pleased that the season got underway, at last,” said Vladimir Kushnerchuk, Rostov Rugby League Manager.

“The level of the matches we`ve seen so far certainly promises an exciting season. We have no shortage of players and quite a few newcomers - the work has only just begun for all of us”. The first game was between Stroitel (Builder) RLFC from the city of Rostov and university outfit DGPU from the Dagestani capital, Makhachkala. Stroitel won at a canter, crushing the young student side 54-14. The second match, between the more experienced Express and Don clubs, both from Rostov, was much more competitive. Express took a 16-12 halftime lead and hung on to edge it 34-32.

A full three round programme in the Centre Conference is planned for this weekend, followed by a Moscow versus Moscow Region trial match on May 21 under the watchful eye of Russian national team coach Vinny Webb.