Portugal are the champions

One point enough to win

Portugal are, for the first time, the European Nations Cup champions, thanks to a one-point victory over the Russians in Coimbra on Saturday.

The championship, popularly referred to as the 'Six Nations B', has been played over two years this time. Last season Portugal beat Romania, who in turn beat Portugal this season. Then last week, Russia shocked Romania with a victory in Krasnodar.

This left Portugal needing a victory over Russia to take the championship.

PORTUGAL 19 RUSSIA 18

It was not easy. Portugal led 13-5 at half-time but a penalty and a converted try put Russia ahead 15-13 in the second half. A penalty put Portugal back in the lead but with seven minutes left the Bears succeeded with a drop-goal.

Three minutes into injury-time, Gonçalo Malheiro gave Portugal the Cup with a penalty goal. It was that close.

The scorers:

For Portugal:
Try: Lourenço Andrade
Con: Gonçalo Malheiro
Pens: Malheiro 4

For Russia:
Tries: Vladimir Simonov, Andrei Kuzin
Con: Simonov
Pen: Simonov
DG: Alexander Kazantsev

CZECH REPUBLIC 16 SPAIN 6

At the other end of the spectrum, Spain lost to the Czech Republic and will finish last regardless of what happens in the weather-postponed match between the Czechs and the Russians.

The match between Spain and the Czech Republic was played in intense cold in Prague. The home side led 13-3 at half-time. They scored the only try of the match, when scrum-half Antonin Brabec went over just before half-time.

The rest of the scoring came from the boot.

Martin Kafka, the Czech fly-half, kicked a penalty, a conversion and two drop-goals. Alfons Martínez kicked a penalty goal in each half for Spain.

The scorers:

For Czech Republic:
Try: Antonin Brabec
Con: Martin Kafka
Pen: Kafka
DGs: Kafka 2

For Spain:
Pens: Alfons Martínez 2

ROMANIA 25 GEORGIA 18

The Oaks of Romania had their work cut out to beat the Lelos of Georgia in Iasi.

Georgia led 13-11 and were up 18-17 with five minutes left when fly-half Ionut Tofan kicked a penalty goal and then flank Marian Tudori scored a try.

The result secures second place for the Romanians.

The scorers:

For Romania:
Tries: Lucian Sirbu, Marian Tudori
Pens: Danut Dumbrava 2, Ionut Tofan 3

For Georgia:
Tries: Zviad Maisuradze, Boba Kvinikhidze
Con: Kvinikhidze
Pens: Kvinikhidze 2