RCL are promoted to the top German division after 33-14 victory over RSV Köln

On a very windy day in Cessange, RCL were up for the challenge in the 2nd Bundesliga play-off match, where they eventually beat RSV Köln 33-14.

The RCL team went into the game missing some key players as they were away in Croatia for the 7's Rugby Trophy tournament with the Luxembourg national team.

It was a cagey first half, with both teams wary of the importance of the occasion but the Royal Blues were put under pressure by conceding numerous penalties. Hence, It was Köln that struck first by slotting one away to make it 0-3.

The game was interrupted for around 15 minutes when one of the Cologne players went down with a broken leg, with the ambulance eventually arriving to take him to hospital.

Shortly after the stoppage, the Germans doubled their lead by converting another penalty. However, it was RCL who scored the first try of the match. Starting in their own 22, where Casmier Yandall cooly faked clearing his lines and spread it to Matthew Dennis-Soto, who found a bit of space and further spread the ball out-wide.

On the wing, the young Luxembourg flanker Noé Tropiano was able to beat a defender and make a 50m break, eventually being brought down in the opposing 22. The ball was recycled and well spread to the other wing, where Jacob Fawsett cut back inside and was able to dot the ball down near the posts. A great team try was converted by Casmier Yandall giving RCL a slender 7-6 lead.

Not for long though, immediately after conceding the Germans pinned Luxembourg in their own 22, eventually scoring in the corner after some patient play. A close and physical game saw the score at 7-11 as the referee brought the first half to a close.

Early in the second half, some tremendous kicking including a 50/22, saw RCL apply early pressure. Resulting in a penalty on the 5 metres, having dominated the scrum in the first half they opted for that set-piece option. Where Jacob Fawsett picked and bulldozed his way over, for his second try of the match. The conversion was slotted and RCL lead 14-11.

Once again, the lead was short lived as a slightly contentious refereeing decision saw RSV Köln awarded a penalty straight in front of the posts, which was successful and saw the scores levelled.

Maxim Kenens running past a defender / © Luc Cordebar

However, RCL were relentless in their attack, persistently applying pressure and some well organised forwards were able to cross the line through numerous crash balls as well as pick and goes. The conversion was well taken in the wind to make it 21-14.

With the bit between their teeth, Antoine Alric's men, unleashed the champagne rugby. From a quickly taken penalty in their own half, they caught the German defence sleeping. The ball was spread to Calum Trees who managed to suck 4 defenders in and get a beautiful offload away.

Once in the opponent's half, they crashed the ball up the middle, a quick and clean ruck saw the space open up out wide. This is where the rapid Robin Dex seized the opportunity, beating a defender on the outside and running it home. The conversion was once again put away making the score 28-14.

Epitomising the defensive work rate of RCL was flanker Tristan Touzellier, who turned over the ball with a great jackle and set them up for another stunning try. The ball was expertly spread to the opposite wing where Maxime Kenens was able to force his way over for the final try of the game. A difficult conversion was missed and the score ended at 33-14.

A great second half performance sees RCL progress to a much higher level of rugby, where they will face teams with large budgets and plenty of international players. Next season promises to be a good one!

After the game, coach Alric said: "I'm very happy as this is what we have been working for over the past two years. In regards to the game, we were able to bring a real intensity. Physically, in all the scrums and all the contact areas too. We worked a lot on our continuity of play (through offloads) but were not able to implement this as much as we would have liked but it's a final and winning is the most important thing."