Bexhill boy stars for Norway

A Bexhill boy has made his debut for the Norway under-18s rugby team.
Lars Thorkildsen was part of the Norway under-18s team which beat Scandinavian rivals SwedenLars Thorkildsen was part of the Norway under-18s team which beat Scandinavian rivals Sweden
Lars Thorkildsen was part of the Norway under-18s team which beat Scandinavian rivals Sweden

Lars Thorkildsen, who went to primary school at Charters Ancaster and is currently studying for his GCSEs at Battle Abbey School, helped Norway beat Scandianavian rivals Sweden for the first time at any level of the game.

He said: “This has been a great experience, first of all beating the Swedes so my dad stays happy, and secondly playing international rugby for Norway and taking part in building up a new team for the future is great.

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“I can only thank my coaches at Heathfield & Waldron RFC for getting me here, and a huge thank you to the technical director of the Norwegian Rugby Federation and the u18 team manager Jose MG for the tremendous work he has been putting in to make this happen.”

Norway Rugby had never beaten Sweden Rugby in any competitive match at either senior or junior level before, but Thorkildsen soon went about trying to put the record straight.

Playing at number six, he took a quick tap and go, and went for the tryline. Although held up, he managed to pass the ball infield to a team-mate who scored the first try in the fifth minute.

Thorkildsen was up in the Swedish faces as soon as they had the ball and he also had a hand in the 39th minute try which drew Norway level at 15-15. Sweden went back in front, but Norway replied with two more tries for an historic 25-20 victory.

Thorkildsen, who played for Hastings & Bexhill RFC until under-11 level, was selected to represent Norway Rugby U18 after a successful trial in June.

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