La Vila Rugby Club win 13-28 against Cajasol Seville

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Yet again, we can report a win for La Vila - with this weekend's victory won from Seville (who, ahem, were top of the log!!)...

and a nice healthy score of 28-13 too!!

We have included a photo of forward Matt Cook jumping for the ball.  Also included, a pic of the English boys at their first Spanish lesson.

La Vila Rugby Club returned home victorious after an incredibly testing away game against Cajasol Seville on Sunday.

The 13-28 win was an especially big one for the club, not only serving to topple Seville from the top of the log, but simultaneously positioning La Vila in second place - a mere three points behind the current log leaders El Salvador. 

It was a taut, hard-won battle; one in which each player needed to be at his best, willing to sacrifice himself for the team.  La Vila capitalised on their opportunities, and were able to spend most of the first 40 minutes in their own half.  When Seville was able to threaten, the tough defence coming from La Vila's forwards on our try line was impenetrable.  This strong front prevented the opponents both from scoring and gaining some much-needed momentum.  Stand-out performances here came from some very physical play by Johnathan Phipps and Matt Cook. By the end of an intense first half, after two penalties from Agustin Gomez and a try by Ryan Le Roux, La Vila was up 11-0. 

In the second half, Seville managed to slowly claw their way up the scoreboard, narrowing La Vila's lead to a precarious 13-14.  But the Vila boys continued defending fiercely and fighting hard in the rucks.  While the forwards engaged in resistance, the backs kept pace with sharp, creative moves and impressive line-breaks (Paul Burton and Hernan Quirelli both deserve honourable mention for this).  In the last twenty minutes, La Vila gave the final death-blow with a try each from Le Roux and captain Martin Aceña (both converted by Gomez).  The final whistle left the scoreboard reading 13-28, and our players dripping with sweat and victory.

The weekend's result was very satisfactory, not only giving the players a boost of confidence, but upping the credence of their away-game presence.  Adding to the team's success, Martin Aceña was voted by the IRC (Iberica Rugby Contact) as the weekend's best performing Premiership player.  The game also saw the debut of newly signed South African player, Edlyn Serge.  Serge proved very strong in the rucks, and will certainly be securing more on-field time in future games.

La Vila's administrative secretary, Soledad Martin, commented on the game.  "I always look on the club calendar to see who we are playing against," she said; "and when I saw the next one was against Seville, I knew it was going to be difficult.  But the team played so well together, really incorporating the newer players... And of course I am very happy that Martin (my husband) scored a try on his birthday!  I know some people are disappointed we didn't get bonus points [four tries in one game], but considering our opponents, I think three tries is more than enough!"

On a slightly more cultural note, the English-speaking players at La Vila have recently started Spanish lessons, which have been provided free of charge by the Villajoyosa Town Hall.  This is a great opportunity for the boys to improve their Spanish, integrate themselves into la vida en España, and, of course, to communicate better with their Spanish team-mates.  Villajoyosa's show of support towards their foreign visitors, as well as to the sporting community as a whole, is much appreciated.

For more information about La Vila Rugby Club, contact Jo le Roux at 965 890 376.

If you are interested in a spot of rugby, a couple of beers and maybe a paella lunch, make a day of it and come to La Vila Rugby Club's sports stadium situated just a few kilometres outside Benidorm. 

La Vila Rugby Club has been running since 1982, and is enjoying its second season in the Spanish Premiership League (the top league in Spain). 

In order to be competitive against the likes of teams from Madrid, Barcelona and Seville, La Vila employs 13 professional players from around the globe - many of whom are British lads over for some sun and a slightly different kind of rugby experience.  Under the guidance of British coach, Mark Hewitt, the boys train hard - and certainly produce the goods on game day. 

The team is now gearing up for their next challenge against Les Abelles on Saturday 24 October.  It will be the first game after a two week break from fixtures, and with the guys rested and ready for action, should provide some good entertainment.  The game will be held at the Villajoyosa Stadium at 12pm.  Food and cold refreshments will be on offer, and under 18's get in free, so bring the kids along too!

For more information, please contact Ignacio Davila 608 068 208 or Jo le Roux at the Rugby La Vila offices 965 890 376.

La Vila Rugby Club is situated at Carratera Pantano, Villajoyosa.  Take AP-7 exit N° 66 (Villajoyosa).  At the first roundabout head for the mountain.  The club is about 1km from Motorway exit N° 66.  Or take the Villajoyosa by-pass, and take the middle exit.   At the first roundabout, bare right towards the motorway entrance and at the second roundabout bare left towards the mountain.

By: Jo le Roux

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