Cyprus got their Rugby Europe Men’s Conference campaign off to a strong
start with a convincing 17-48 victory over Gibraltar at Europa Point Stadium
on Saturday, scoring eight tries in an impressive away performance.
The match was a historic occasion for the hosts, marking Gibraltar’s first
competitive XV international. However, Cyprus quickly demonstrated their
attacking threat, using their pace, physicality and strength in the scrum to
take control of the contest.
Cyprus Take Control in the First Half
Cyprus made an early breakthrough with blindside flanker Pantelis
Stylianou crossing for the opening try and Mihali Joannou adding the
conversion to establish a 0-7 lead. Gibraltar responded with a successful
penalty, scoring their first-ever competitive points to make it 3-7, but the
visitors soon regained control.
Another try by Stylianou extended Cyprus’ advantage before further scores,
including a penalty try, saw them pull clear. By the 35th minute Gibraltar
were down to 13 men and Cyprus had built a commanding 3-33 lead,
capitalising on their attacking opportunities and putting the home defence
under sustained pressure.
Gibraltar continued to compete and were rewarded just before half time,
scoring their first try in an official competitive international by the hands of
second row Lewis Honey. With the conversion successful, the teams went
into the break with Cyprus leading 10-33.
Visitors Maintain Their Advantage
Cyprus continued where they had left off after the restart, adding another
try following a scrum close to the Gibraltar line to extend their lead to 10-38.
The hosts showed determination to get back into the game, but Cyprus
remained dangerous in possession and continued to find ways through the
defence. Another try took the visitors to 10-43 as they maintained their
advantage.
Gibraltar refused to give up and crossed for a second try, converting to
bring the score to 17-43. Cyprus had the final say, however, adding a late
try to complete the scoring at 17-48.
A Positive Start for Cyprus
The result gives Cyprus an encouraging start to their 2026/27 Rugby Europe
Men’s Conference campaign and puts them at the top of Pool D ahead of
Israel, Andorra and Gibraltar. Eight tries and a strong attacking display
provided a solid foundation for the season ahead, while the team’s ability
to turn pressure into points proved decisive. Pantelis Stylianou was named
Man of the Match by the commentators following his standout
performance.
Credit is also due to Gibraltar, who marked a significant milestone for their
national team by competing in their first official Rugby Europe XV
international and scoring twice against the visitors.
Cyprus will now turn their attention to their next Conference fixture, when
they host Israel on 3 April 2027.
Cyprus tries: Pantelis Stylianou (6′, 21′), penalty try (28′), Ben Yarrow (30′),
Mihali Joannou (33′), Joseph Ridgewell (52′), Alex Thompson (65′), Aaron
Beyzade (88′). Conversions: Mihali Joannou (7′, 31′, 34′).
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