The 2nd Leg of the EBRA Beach 5’s Series at ZEEBRUGGE promised much and has delivered even more. With the DUTCH LIONS taking to the sand for the first time in 2013, as both Defending 2012 Zeebrugge Masters & reigning European Champions, there was sure to be no shortage of honour on the line.
But retaining their Masters title in Zeebrugge was never going to be easy with Belgian heroes, THE GHENT MAGNETS in the line up. Recent winners at AMELAND 2013, the Magnets had much to prove against their great rivals of the last 2 seasons. If this challenge weren’t enough, this 2nd leg of the EBRA Series also featured the winners of the 1st Leg in Marseille, Ovale Beach Marseille, who made the long trip from the French Riviera in a quest to take a firm grip on the historic 1st ever European Beach 5’s Series.
Day 1 concluded with THE GHENT MAGNETS in flying form, taking 4 wins from 4. It also went well for the DUTCH LIONS. But the surprise of the day came with Ovale Beach unable to come to terms with the pace of the Belgian sand.
On Day 2 THE GHENT MAGNETS demonstrated great strength and resolve to make it through to the Final where, as destiny would have it, they came face to face with defending Champions, DUTCH LIONS. In a determined display THE MAGNETS rose to the occasion. Taking a 6-2 lead they seemed almost out of sight until a yellow card in the 2nd half saw them reduced to 4 in-field players. This allowed the LIONS some hope and they quickly pulled back 2 try’s to bring the score to 6-4. But with time against them, that’s how the final score finished. A weekend of disappointment for LIONS everywhere!
Ecstatic celebrations for the Belgians who now take their place at the Top of the Series table alongside the French. And with 3 beach tournament wins already this season, THE MAGNETS are certainly proving themselves to be in ‘EPIC’ form. But there’s plenty more action to come in the next 3 weeks.
One thing is certain, the EBRA Beach 5’s Series is beginning to COOK. So, if you can’t take the heat, stay out of the KITCHEN! Roll on Series Leg 3 in Portugal on 13th/14th July.
SUPER BEACH 5’s RUGBY….. ‘THE BIG BANG 2’…… 20-21 July 2013.
Not for your Average Guys.
