After a draw and a shaky start to the season, Sunday’s Round 3 clash in the Alpe Adria Competition was a must-win match. Before kick-off, Head Referee Derek made it clear that both teams would be held to the highest standards. When asked fora reaction, captain Partl simply replied with confidence: “We answer on the pitch.”

And Stade delivered!

From kick-off, the crowd was surprised to see the physically larger Wombats shut down by Stade’s composed and disciplined defence. The visitors controlled the scrum, pushed the home side back, and moved the ball confidently to the wings. Withstrong depth and clean attacking lines, the boys from Vienna crossed the try line four times before the match was stopped early for safety reasons.

“It’s tough for the boys who travelled on Sunday and couldn’t get game time,” said Head Coach Bogdan. “Nevertheless, I’m extremely proud that we kept the disciplinary standards we set for ourselves. I hope this marks a cultural shift—not justwithin the team, but within the whole organisation.”

Lineout boss and vice-captain Matteo added with a smile: “This is a foundation we can build on. But for Donau, we still need to improve our finishing.”

The unanimous Man of the Match:
The Pink Army — Stade’s loyal fans — who travelled all the way to Wiener Neustadt, drowned out the new grandstand’s speaker system, and created an incredible atmosphere.

THANK YOU! ESPRIT!

Next Stop:
15.11.2025
against DONAU FREIBEUTER
Kickoff: 17:00

Photo: Roman Stoiber https://www.romanstoiber.at