The fourth round of Georgia`s Didi-10 Rugby Championship delivered several intriguing outcomes and showcased the resilience of the newcomers, with Fijian players making a notable impact.
The match weekend kicked off with the central encounter between Batumi and Lelo. The game was a tense and evenly contested battle, where the home team demonstrated superior execution of their opportunities and better discipline, ultimately securing the victory.
Batumi (6) 23:11 (5) Lelo
Tries: Akubardia (57), Tkhilashvili (63) – Alkhazashvili (5);
Conversions: Nozadze (58, 64) – none;
Penalties: Nozadze (15, 23, 49) – Bolkvadze (46, 53);
Yellow Cards: none – N. Abesadze (58).
Georgia`s vice-champion, Aia, struggled significantly but managed to claim a home victory over Khvamli in a tightly contested match.
Aia (13) 20:19 (11) Khvamli
Tries: Yeremeishvili (4), Shengelia (71) – Makharadze (30), M. Takaishvili (51);
Conversions: Makhareishvili (4, 72) – none;
Penalties: Makhareishvili (26, 38) – L. Takaishvili (16, 47), Malaguradze (36);
Yellow Cards: none – S. Lezhava (16), Malaguradze (51).
Newcomers Shine with Fijian Talent
The Didi-10 newcomers continue to surprise with their results. Tsikara clinched its second consecutive win, defeating Armia in the final seconds thanks to a decisive try from Fijian player Nave. In contrast, Tbilisi`s Armia, considered a podium contender before the season, is facing serious difficulties, having lost all four matches and currently sitting in second-to-last place in the standings.
A historic victory was achieved by RC Gori, marking their first-ever win in the Didi-10. Levan Datunashvili`s team snatched a victory from Kazbegi in extra time. A key role in this success was played by Fijian player Apimeleki Nambolenga, who scored a crucial double.
Tsikara (6) 19:16 (10) Armia
Tries: Nave (79) – Kurkhuli (11);
Conversions: Asatiani (80) – Peters (12);
Penalties: Asatiani (15, 28, 51, 60) – Peters (19, 49), Tevdoradze (69);
Yellow Cards: none – Berikashvili (27), Nakhutsrishvili (56).
Gori (7) 24:17 (3) Kazbegi
Tries: Galdava (16), Nambolenga (69, 80) – Savoyan (48), Lovokuro (50);
Conversions: M. Ninidze (17), Y. Kheladze (69, 80) – Nameshavili (49, 51);
Penalties: M. Ninidze (45) – Nameshavili (3);
Yellow Cards: none – Vanganisaravi (36).
Aresi from Kutaisi, much like Batumi, remains undefeated this season, securing an important away victory over Kharebi. Kharebi completely faltered in the first half, trailing 0:24, and despite strong efforts to catch up in the second half, they couldn`t overturn the match.
Kharebi (0) 28:34 (24) Aresi
Tries: Gelkhvidze (47), Sainivalati (50), Kohia (63), Rokondino (80) – Khahuliani (17), D. Kvirikashvili (26), Purtskhvanidze (31), Raunge (76), Sh. Kheladze (79);
Conversions: Modzgvrishvili (49, 51, 64, 80) – Purtskhvanidze (18, 27, 32);
Penalties: M. Ninidze (45) – Purtskhvanidze (40);
Yellow Cards: none – Z. Dzneladze (47).
League Standings
(Further details on league standings would be provided here if available in the original source.)
