Dutch beat Sweden after 30 years
Sweden's national team celebrated its 30th anniversary by inviting Holland to match on Lindängens IP in Malmö. The teams first met in a competitive match in 1984 are two of the world's oldest women's international teams.
Published by John Birch, October 21st, 2014
3 minute read
By Madeleine Lahti, Swedish RFU
The result then, in 1984, was 0-34, but last weekend's match was as expected more even. Netherlands began carefully but as soon as the third minute ran in their first try, though the goal kick failed. Sweden were ignited by this score and began to take more control of the game which was rewarded with a penalty in the location that was not a problem for Ulrika Andersson Hall.
Sweden had a long period at the end of the first half where they trapped Netherlands continually within their own 5m line, but the a tight and strong Dutch defence gave Sweden no gap to get through.
The game in the second half remained even. Both teams played an open game with few mistakes. Throughout the game the outcome remained uncertain and the crowd were treated to well-played, entertaining and exciting rugby.
Holland's second try came well into the second half through a kick where the ball bounced awkwardly, Sweden's defence did not get it under control and it was up to the touchjudges to determine whether the ball was touched down by the attackers or if the defenders had their hands on it. A try was eventually awarded making the score 3-10.
Sweden continued to press to the last with the chance to tie the game, and in the end the result reflected the the outcome of many of the previous meetings - a narrow Dutch victory.
The match was not only to draw attention to Sweden's 30-year anniversary, but also played as a tribute to the team's late manager Patrice Johansson. Before the game both teams and everyone present at Lindängens IP honoured Patrice with a standing ovation. This was also the game when the team's veterans, Katarina Boman, played her 50th international which was highlighted at the subsequent banquet.
