Penza, Russia – In a display of formidable attacking prowess, Lokomotiv Penza unequivocally stamped its authority over Metallurg Novokuznetsk, securing a dominant 71-24 victory in a match that, for all intents and purposes, was decided long before the half-time whistle. The encounter in the PARI Russian Championship was a testament to Lokomotiv`s clinical execution and left little doubt about their aspirations for the season`s latter stages.
An Unstoppable First-Half Avalanche
From the opening whistle, Lokomotiv played with a directness and intensity that left Metallurg reeling. The “Penza Express,” as they might well be dubbed after this performance, needed just three minutes to cross the try line, with Jeremy Jordaan breaking through on the left flank to ignite the scoring. While Metallurg`s Vyacheslav Taskin offered a glimmer of hope with a swift response, it was merely a temporary reprieve.
What followed was a breathtaking 12-minute surge that saw Lokomotiv unleash five unanswered tries. The sheer pace and precision were overwhelming, with both backs and forwards contributing to the scoreline. Nikita Filippov, Daniil Potikhanov, and Alexander Gudok showcased the backs` agility and finishing ability, while forwards Tiaan van der Merwe and Alexander Ryabov demonstrated that the front row could be just as elusive and rapid through the defensive lines. It was a period of play that suggested Lokomotiv was less interested in a contest and more in delivering a statement.
Metallurg`s Resilience and a Historic Moment
Despite the overwhelming pressure, Metallurg Novokuznetsk found pockets of resistance, primarily leveraging the raw power of their maul. This tactical strength allowed Vyacheslav Taskin to secure a brace, demonstrating that even against such a dominant force, their forwards could still make their presence felt.
The first half also featured a notable historical footnote: Maria Klimkina made history as the first woman to officiate as a field referee in the PARI Russian Championship. Her presence underscored the evolving landscape of professional rugby, bringing a new dynamic to the proceedings. While her decisions, including one to disallow a Sergei Sekisov try for Lokomotiv, were part of the usual match ebb and flow, her pioneering role added a layer of distinction to an already memorable game. Despite a disallowed try for Lokomotiv, and another try from Stefan de Vit that did count, Metallurg seized a late opportunity to narrow the gap slightly, leading to a half-time score of 19-45.
Second Half: Control and Confirmation
The second half saw a natural dip in the frenetic scoring pace, with Lokomotiv content to manage the game and Metallurg continuing to seek opportunities through their physicality. Nonetheless, Lokomotiv’s dominance remained unchallenged. Tiaan van der Merwe completed his try-scoring double early in the half, further extending the lead.
Substitutions brought fresh legs and continued the scoring for Lokomotiv, with Vladimir Podrezov adding his name to the scoresheet. Metallurg, not to be completely silenced, saw promising talent Danil Orlik cross the line for his side. However, Lokomotiv had the final say, as Daniil Potikhanov and Nikita Filippov each grabbed their second tries of the match, bringing the final tally to a resounding 71-24.
Implications for the Season
This comprehensive victory virtually assures Lokomotiv Penza of a place in the final for fifth place, a deserved reward for their consistent performance. For Metallurg Novokuznetsk, the focus will now undoubtedly shift towards preparing for the seventh-place playoff, rather than contemplating a turnaround in the return fixture. The match served as a clear indicator of Lokomotiv`s significant firepower and their ambitions as the championship season progresses towards its climax.
Finlay Hurst