Spain have been crowned Women's European Trophy 2010
champions after producing another impressive display to beat Italy
31-13 at La Meinau in the French city of Strasbourg on Saturday.
The two finalists, who had both lost to Sweden in 2009 to
miss out on Women's Rugby World Cup 2010 qualification, had
both been free-scoring in topping their respective pools with
perfect records.
Veronica Schiavon gave Italy an early lead with a third
minute penalty, but tries from number 8 Ana Maria Aigneren and
centre Barbara Pla edged Spain into a lead they would never
surrender.
Schiavon ensured Italy went in trailing only 12-6 at half
time, but prop Rocio Garcia and wing Julia Pla re-established
Spain's grip on the match. Manuela Furlan gave Italy hope with
their first try of the afternoon, but her opposite number Marta
Pocurull scored on the hour mark to make certain of victory for
Spain.
Sweden, who qualified for the World Cup by winning their pool
at last year's Women's European Trophy, had played the
Netherlands in two training matches last month, ending up on the
losing side on both occasions.
Tries from Frida Ryberg and Elisabeth Österberg gave Sweden a
12-0 advantage after only 14 minutes, but it would be almost an
hour before they troubled the scoreboard again with Anna-Lena
Swartz's try, by which time the Netherlands were out of sight.
Strong finish for hosts
Kelly van Harskamp began the Dutch fightback within minutes
of Österberg's try with a brace from centre Pien Selbeck
sending her side in leading 21-12 at half time in Illkirch.
Dorien Eppink picked up where her centre partner had left off
by scoring the Netherlands' fourth try to secure the bonus
point, before replacement Elke van Meer crossed for a brace of
tries to seal a 47-19 victory and third place.
France A had suffered somewhat surprising back to back losses
against Spain and the Netherlands, but ended the tournament on a
positive note with a 35-0 defeat of Russia to finish fifth overall.
Aurelia Cellier opened the scoring with a penalty and by half
time France A had already secured a bonus point with forwards
Sandra Rabier, Cyndia Mansard, Koumiba Djossouvi and Sylvie Bernard
touching down.
France A, featuring several players who will expect to be
involved in Women's Rugby World Cup 2010, could only add two
tries in the second half through wing Camille Grassineau and
Djossouvi.
Belgium did finally score their first points of the
tournament with hooker Katrien Lemahieu's second half try, but
they still ended finishing eighth after Germany won the match in a
kicking competition following a 5-5 draw.
