Top countries win at FIRA U/18

The FIRA-AER Under-18 European Championship started on Saturday in Northern Italy with big wins for the big countries.

The countries are divided into four groups based on strength. The first round is a virtual quarter-final.

In Group A, France now play hosts Italy while Ireland play England. The other sides play on to determine places 5 to 8.

The finals for Groups A  and D will be played on Saturday, 22 March 2008. The finals for Groups B and C will be on Friday., 21 March 2008.

1st Round results

Group A
France vs Spain, 52-6
Ireland vs Russia, 53-0
England vs Georgia, 53-3
Italy vs Romania, 25-0

Group B
Portugal vs Lithuania, 22-10
Germany vs Czech Republic, 26-19
Poland vs Ukraine, 21-5
Belgium vs Netherlands, 44-7

Group C
Bulgaria vs Latvia, 22-15
Switzerland vs Austria, 19-5
Sweden vs Israel, 15-0
Hungary vs Denmark, 17-5

Group D
Bosnia & Herzegovina vs Croatia, 13-5
Serbia vs Slovenia, 58-0

Fixtures:

Group A
France vs Italy in Casale Sul Sile on 19 March
Ireland vs England in San Dona di Piave on 19 March
Spain vs Romania in Mogliano Veneto on 19 March
Russia vs Georgia in Mirano on 19 March

Group B
Portugal vs Belgium in Pieve Di Soligo on 18 March
Germany vs Poland in Casale Sul Sile on 18 March
Lithuania vs Netherlands in San Dona di Piave on 18 March
Czech Republic vs Ukraine in Silea on 18 March

Group C
Bulgaria vs Hungary in Pieve Di Soligo on 18 March
Switzerland vs Sweden in Casale Sul Sile on 18 March

Group D
2nd Round
Luxembourg vs Bosnia & Herzegovina in Jesolo on 17 March
Moldova vs Slovenia in Jesolo on 17 March

3rd Round
Croatia vs Luxembourg in Mirano on 19 March
Serbia vs Moldova in San Dona di Piave on 18 March