The battle for supremacy on the Russian rugby fields intensified as Moscow played host to the opening day of the 5th round of the Women`s Magnit Russian Championship. It was a day of powerful statements, strategic triumphs, and some truly commanding performances that set a fierce tone for the remainder of the tournament.
Dominance Defined: Early Routines Set the Pace
From the very first whistle, several teams left no doubt about their ambitions. The morning saw a series of lopsided victories, demonstrating a clear hierarchy among the contenders. “Zilant” initiated their campaign with an emphatic 50:0 triumph over “Krasny Yar,” a result that immediately signaled their intent. Not to be outdone, “VVA-Podmoskovye” similarly overpowered “Argat” with a decisive 36:0, and CSKA showcased their formidable strength by defeating “Rostov-DSTU” 39:5.
These early results weren`t mere anomalies; they painted a consistent picture of dominance. “Kuban” joined the ranks of high scorers, dispatching “Krasny Yar” with a 50:5 scoreline, while “Yenisey-STM” asserted their authority over “Rostov-DSTU” at 38:7. It seemed some teams came to Moscow not just to compete, but to make a definitive statement – perhaps even send a memo: “We`re here, and we mean business.”
Closer Contests: Where Every Point Mattered
While some matches were a parade of tries for one side, others offered a more nuanced display of grit and tactical prowess. “Vityaz” earned a hard-fought victory against “Argat” with a final score of 22:14, a result that highlights the resilience of both teams. Later, in a tighter affair, “Zilant” managed to edge out “Kuban” 12:7, proving that even the strongest teams can be tested when facing equally determined opponents. These encounters, with their ebb and flow, provided the kind of nail-biting action that keeps rugby fans on the edge of their seats.
Second Stage: The Chessboard Rearranged
Following the initial flurry of matches, the tournament transitioned into its second stage with a strategic re-grouping of teams. This structural shift promised fresh rivalries and renewed challenges, offering teams a chance to consolidate their positions or, for some, to seek redemption. The new groups were:
- Group D: VVA-Podmoskovye, Kuban, Rostov-DSTU
- Group E: CSKA, Vityaz, Krasny Yar
- Group F: Zilant, Yenisey-STM, Argat
The second stage continued the trend of strong performances, with “VVA-Podmoskovye” shutting out “Rostov-DSTU” 32:0, and CSKA delivering another powerful display against “Krasny Yar” with a 43:0 victory. “Zilant” maintained their perfect form by defeating “Argat” 57:0, showcasing a ruthless efficiency that left little room for doubt. “Kuban” secured a 29:0 win against “Rostov-DSTU,” and “Vityaz” kept “Krasny Yar” scoreless with a 22:0 victory. The day concluded with “Yenisey-STM” overcoming “Argat” in a 31:17 battle, a match that once again demonstrated Argat`s fighting spirit despite the losses, proving that even in defeat, determination shines through.
Anticipation Builds for Day Two
As the sun set on the first day of competition in Moscow, the stage is perfectly set for an exhilarating Day Two. Teams will return to the field on September 28th, Sunday, with crucial matches scheduled to determine further advancements. The fixtures promise more intense rugby action:
- 10:00: VVA-Podmoskovye vs. Kuban
- 10:20: CSKA vs. Vityaz
- 10:40: Zilant vs. Yenisey-STM
These matchups are not merely games; they are pivotal moments in the championship, leading to a new group distribution in the highly anticipated third stage. With the stakes rising, fans can expect nothing less than fierce competition and strategic brilliance as teams vie for every point, every tackle, and every try in their quest for the Women`s Magnit Russian Championship title.
The first day proved that Russian women`s rugby is alive with talent and tenacity. While some teams asserted their dominance with overwhelming force, others demonstrated the sheer will to compete, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable tournament.
Gareth Fenton 
Percy Harlow