Week 3 of the Israeli Rugby Regional League produced real rugby drama. The Golden Jackals, representing the south and central regions, scored a last gasp try to defeat the Fijian Ai Matai, 20-21 and win the inaugural Israel Pacific Challenge Cup.
The game was a feisty affair, with the referee showing no fewer than four yellow cards to the Fijian players. But they persevered through determination and flair to work their way into a winning position.
“Fantastic game, tough game”, said Rugby Israel national team coach and technical director Kevin Musikanth. “The Jackals were obviously better at the set piece, but then the Fijian were better at open play and did enough to win it. The game had many penalties and many cards, as it meant a lot for the Jackals and meant a lot to the Fijians who are great competitors and great ambassadors for the sport. They have done so much for Israeli rugby and we are grateful for that. Nice for the Jackals to win a trophy in their first year of existence. Nice to see young Israeli players get chances.”
For Gal Aviram, captain of Israel’s Sevens team and scorer of the winning try, it was an emotional moment: “After such a long time without playing, getting back on the pitch was a dream. Let alone scoring a try like that in the 80th minute.”
