Date: 19/09/26

Venue: Hohenems

Opponent: SG SV Studentenstadt Freimann / ESV München-Freimann / TSV 1860 München

Score: Vorarlberg RUFC 50–12 SG SV Studentenstadt Freimann / ESV München-Freimann / TSV 1860 München

It was the first game of the season, and expectations were high. We wanted to start the season in the best way possible. On a sunny day in Hohenems, 20 players were ready to battle for the Ländle team. The game started with a kick-off from Vorarlberg. After a couple of phases, we managed to regain possession. An intense series of plays, including several pod plays, eventually finished with Tomás scoring in the left corner in the second minute. This was the third season in a row that the opening try was scored by a front-row player.

The game stayed tight for a few minutes until Max received the ball and broke through the opposition defence to score an amazing try. Only a couple of minutes later, Stefan came through like a wrecking ball and scored Vorarlberg’s third try, making it 17–0. The visiting team then managed to change the momentum of the match. They started finding gaps in our defence and moving the ball wide. They scored two tries, in the 17th and 29th minutes, bringing the score to 17–12.

The next few minutes were a hard battle, with both teams pushing for the next try. However, neither side managed to score before half-time. The message during the break was clear: we needed to regain the momentum, show more unity and enjoy our time on the pitch. A change in mentality was needed. The coaches and captain encouraged the team to start the second half at 110% and finish the job.

And what a start it was. In the first minute of the second half, our new scrum-half Antonio found some space and scored for Vorarlberg. Yannick converted, making it 24–12 and securing the bonus point. A couple of minutes later, Mike started an amazing run down the side of the pitch and finished it with a try, making it 31–12. The next 15 minutes were a defensive battle, with lots of scrums, line-outs and rucks. Cris showed his experience as a tighthead prop, while the quick hands from the backs kept the game attractive for the fans who had come to Rote Erde.

In the 63rd minute, “Usain” Antonio intercepted the ball near our own try line and started running. He covered almost the whole pitch to score a try that will be remembered at the club for a long time, making it 38–12. A few minutes later, our number 10, Yannick, found a gap in their defence and scored an incredible try, which he converted himself. The understanding between the two of them was excellent and helped us take control of the game. Last but not least, Bolle received the ball in the final minute and scored another great try to seal the victory at 50–12.

An amazing way to start the season! We had some good sensations, as well as a few things to work on before our next match away against Nürnberg on 26/09. Many thanks to everyone who came to watch the match, to the referee and to the opposition. It was a great day of rugby, and we are already looking forward to travelling to Munich next year.