Georgia defeated Russia by 23-17 on Saturday, 
8th March, at Dymano Stadium in Krasnodar (Russia).
It was Lelos fifth win in seven matches over their
northern neighbours and arch-rivals, and rekindled
Caucasians' hopes of recapturing EN Cup which is
currently held by Oaks of Romania

   The lead changed hands six times during an hour until Lelos
pivot Paul Jimsheladze scored the clinching try on blind side
after GEO won scrum, eightman Ilia Zedguinidze hit it up 
infield and scrumhalf Abusseridze cleverly switched it to the 
left. Paliko kicked six penalties as well, capitalising on 
upperhand GEO enjoyed on the day

   For GEO halfback pairing of "Abu" and Paliko stood out. Back 
row trio was brilliant as well as the whole defensive formation 
and committment at the tackle. The screen deemed so impregnable 
that RUS had no other option but to kick and hand the possession 
over time and time again

   For Russia skipper S.Sergueiev scored the first try, and 
his clubmate at Montauban, K.Rachkov kicked two P and dropped 
two goals. The old captain was the best both in open play and 
line-out. RUS stole almost the third of opposition throw-ins 
but to no avail

   Once again, refereeing by an Italian whistle-blower was 
inconsistent and pedantic. In closing minutes RUS went for try 
and ran a string of close-range penalties but GEO stood firm 
and cleared 

   The game was held on Women's Solidarity Day and the ladies
were allowed into Dymano Stadium gratis but the crowd was a 
little bit meagre. It was dry and there were no cards 
brandished, either yellow or red 

Russia 17-23 Georgia 

RUSSIA: 15 Igor Kliuchnikov (Igor Dymchenko 44'), 14 Vitali
Ilarionov, 13 Vitali Zeer, 12 Alexei Karabeinikov, 11 Andrei
Kuzin; 10 Konstantin Rachkov, 9 Alexander Yanyushkin /

1 Alexander Khrokin, 2 Roman Romak (Igor Nikolaichuk 60), 
3 Alexei Travkin (Oleg Shukailov 67); 4 Valeri Fedchenko, 
5 Serguei Sergueiev CAPT; 6 Roman Shelepkov, 7 Viacheslav 
Grachov, 8 Viacheslav Zykov (Alexei Sarychev 77)

- T: Sergueiev; 2P, 2DG: Rachkov

GEORGIA: 15 Badri Khekhelashvili, 14 Makho Urjukashvili,
13 Tedo Zibzibadze, 12 Irakli Guiorgadze (Kakha Alania 62),
11 Irakli Gundishvili; 10 Paliko Jimsheladze, 9 Irakli 
Abusseridze / 

1 Goderdzi Shvelidze (Mevlud Mtiulishvili 60), 2 Akvsenti 
Guiorgadze, 3 Tato Ratianidze; 4 Vano Nadiradze (Zurab 
Mtchedlishvili 60), 5 Victor Didebulidze (Mamuka Gorgodze 73);
6 Guia Labadze (David Bolghashvili 30), 7 Gregoire Yachvili,
8 Ilia Zedguinidze CAPT

- T, 6P: Jimsheladze

SCORING (GEO first): 0-3(3') 3-3(8) 3-8(13) 6-8(22) 9-8(27)
9-11(30) 12-11(37) 12-14(39 DG) HT

15-14(54) 20-14(62) 20-17(68 DG) 23-17(77) FT

Courtesy of Michael Robitashvili, 
Georgia RU Director