History tells us that 14 years ago our next challenger won the inaugural LIGNANO INTERNATIONAL CUP. In the years that followed they returned on many occasions but each time they left without success. That was until 2011 when they defeated the MAGNETS from Belgium in a sudden death final, which sits proudly in the history book as one of the tournaments most thrilling finals ever. As one of SUPER BEACH 5s true history makers, its with great honour we welcome Challenger #8 – the boys from PADOVA BEACH RUGBY.
Anyone who follows SB5 will tell you, so far only one team, MACCARESE ROMA, has ever managed to win the LIGNANO INTERNATIONAL CUP on 3 occasions and they are also the only squad to ever have defended their title. In 2012 Padova came incredibly close to matching both of these records. Infact they were mere minutes from victory only to be denied by well-oiled machine that was THE DUTCH HOOKERS , in what was also the first EBRA Beach 5s European Cup Final.
Coming so close to history, PADOVA have never given up on the possibility of raising the trophy one more time. And so in 2014, they return, rejuvenated and re-energised. While they will have a lot of new young bloods, needless to say, they know it also takes guile and wit to win at LIGNANO. So they’ve spiced the squad with 3 of Padova’s legendary ‘desert foxes’ – Paolo “Paul” Palandrani, Giovanni “Colle” Colleselli and the “Gringo” Lucio Prati.
On paper they look like they have a recipe for success. Will 2014 finally be the long awaited HISTORIC return ?
Temperatures on the Beach are rising boys……remember…..
IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT, STAY OUT OF THE ARENA !!
19 – 20 July LIGNANO BEACH ARENA
LIGNANO SABBIADORO
SUPER BEACH 5S RUGBY. History making.