The two favourites in the Pan Scandinavian Rugby League Tournament met on Saturday in Lund in the opening fixture of the season, contesting a thrilling encounter that saw the home side, Skåne Crusaders, edge out Copenhagen RLFC 18-16. 

Having pipped Copenhagen in the final of the Scandinavia rugby league 7s in Sweden the previous weekend, the Crusaders headed into the game confident, and within 15 minutes, they had established a 10-0 lead. 

Nevertheless, Copenhagen hit back through a try by captain Eugene Hanrahan and went into halftime just four points down.

A firm team talk from team coach Nigel Kitching, a former professional rugby league player, focused the troops for a second half in which they marched into a 16-10 lead thanks to tries by Rune Nordvang and Robert King. 

But poor handling and ill-discipline invited the well-drilled Crusaders back into the game and ahead again.  

Heading into the closing minutes, Copenhagen had a penalty kick to tie the game, but instead elected to go for the try. It proved to be the wrong decision as the Crusaders held firm for the win. 

Next up for the Crusaders is their first home game, against another Swedish outfit, the Kungsbacka Broncos, on Saturday April 6 at Gladsaxe Stadion.