GREECE are Euro C champions after running out 68-14 winners over GERMANY in Crete.
Fullback Tyrone Tsagalias led the way with a hat-trick in nine minutes early in the second half, after Greece took a 22-10 lead into the break.
George Chionis and Leon Bakis followed up with doubles while Nick Tuliatu, Eddie Markopoulos, Alex Linoxylakis, Sam Stratis (who kicked ten goals) and Alex Aliu also scored tries.
Greece are promoted to Euro B and coach Steve Georgallis said: “It was pleasing to see how far our domestic players have come.
“We have a number of young local players coming through which is great for the game in Greece.”
Bob Doughton, whose Germany side are relegated to Euro D, said: “We have more than proved that we can compete at this level. We just need to do it for 80 minutes.”
Euro D began with ITALY enjoying a 40-6 success at NORWAY despite significant travel disruption which forced an overnight stay in Oslo beforehand.
Twins Simone and Sam Elrick Ngeng, who both play for Bedford Tigers, scored two and one try respectively in Sandnes.
Santino Decaro also bagged a double, with the other Italian tries coming from Davide Colla and Shann Brugel. Stefano Astolfi kicked six goals.
Joshua Silverstone-Utheim’s late try, converted by Andreas Vagen, was some consolation to Norway, whose coach Tim Jones said: “The score didn’t reflect the true game.”
Italy host Czechia in Abbiategrasso this Saturday and coach Gioele Celerino said: “It was a positive effort, especially having had such a long journey with cancelled flights and 15 hours in the airport.”
UKRAINE were also winners in the opening game of Euro B, with a 30-14 victory in Belgrade their first ever against SERBIA.
Debutant hooker Mitchell Beggs-Mowczan scored two tries while Vitalii Puchkov, Oleksandr Fomiuk and Zayn Sluvinsky followed in and Oleksandr Skorbach had a perfect day from the tee.
Coach Dan Beardshaw said: “We’ve faced plenty of challenges getting this squad together, but the attitude, commitment and character of the players throughout the week have been outstanding.
“What pleases me most is seeing the continued development of this group. We’re building something special with Ukrainian Rugby League and results like today show just how far we’ve come.
“Our domestic Ukrainian players were outstanding – these are players who are living and training in circumstances that most people simply cannot imagine, yet they continue to improve and compete at this level.”
Aleksandar Pavlovic gave Serbia an early lead then Lachlan Ditchmen and Tyson Walker scored their second-half tries, the latter also kicking a goal.
