Photo: Türkiye Ragbi Federasyonu
The Netherlands came up just short in waterlogged conditions in Arnhem as Turkiyé triumphed by a solitary field goal to top the three-team group of Level 2 in the 2024/25 IFAF European Championships.
The 3-0 win for Turkiyé, added to a 41-18 home victory over Ireland two weeks ago, secured a 2-0 record and top spot in the group with Ireland (1-1) second and the Netherlands (0-2) third.
In the Lions’ first home game on Dutch soil since 2016, cold and heavy rain impacted the game immediately as both teams struggled to move the ball offensively and turned the ball over multiple times. The second quarter saw two field goal attempts from Turkiyé kicker Kerim Sarıkatipoğlu blocked by Roedion Henrique.
Sarıkatipoğlu finally connected on a 22-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to cap a scoring drive aided by a string of 15-yard penalties assessed against the hosts, while Turkiyé’s running game had showed more effectiveness in the second half.
Late in the fourth quarter, the Lions had a chance to tie the game with a 47-yard field goal attempt and kicker Mas Prevoo delivered a flawless kick, sending the ball through the uprights. However, a penalty against Turkiyé on the play offered the Lions an opportunity to gamble, knowing a win was essential if they were to top the group.
Head coach Fred Armstrong opted to keep the offense on the field and take the tying three points off the board, but the gamble backfired. The Dutch offense faltered, and a subsequent 29-yard field goal attempt failed when holder Dany Ortega was unable to place the ball in time for Prevoo to kick. The turnover gave Turkiyé possession, allowing them to run out the clock and secure a hard-fought 3-0 victory.
“I would do the same again and try to get six points and win the game, after getting 15 yards forward and a first down inside their 20 with three-minutes-50 to play,” said Armstrong.
2024/25 IFAF European Championships Level 2 Group Stages Schedule
Standings
Türkiye 2-0
Ireland 1-1
Netherlands 0-2
Scores
October 19 Ireland 18 Netherlands 13
November 3 Türkiye 41 vs Ireland 18
November 17 Netherlands 0 Türkiye 3
