Nordic Cup : 2018

This has been an event held between Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Denmark was the stronger of the three nations at first but more recently have not been able to complete all their games. I assume the game has gone backward there. In Sweden it seems to be holding its own, but Norway is moving forward. They are now the strongest nation of the three and the only one challenging for World Cup qualification.

Denmark won the first event in 2011, followed by two seconds and another title. That made them the most successful nation up until then. In 2016, it only was able to fulfill its home game, a win over Sweden. The same thing happened again in 2017, this time a loss at home to Norway. This put in third for the first time.

Norway has won four titles, including the last three. This makes it the most successful of the three nations. Sweden won its only series in 2013 but has always turned up and given its best.

Coming into 2018, Denmark has not been part of the Nordic Cup, so a one-off game seems to be the outcome, although that is my assumption. I will correct that if proven otherwise. On Oct 13th at Partille, Gothenburg, Sweden (the hosts) had a job to do in containing the visiting Norwegian side.

Norway soon took control and raced to a 30-0 halftime lead. Sweden did better in the second stanza but were unable to close the gap, the result 6-46 in favour of the visitors. After the game, the Swedish coach admitted that Norway is getting much stronger but will go away and work on improving in their domestic competition.

		NORDIC CUP
		YEAR	1st	2nd	3rd
		2011	Denmark	Norway	Sweden
		2012	Norway	Denmark	Sweden
		2013	Sweden	Denmark	Norway
		2014	Denmark	Sweden	Norway
		2015	Denmark	Norway	Sweden
		2016	Norway	Denmark	Sweden
		2017	Norway	Sweden	Denmark
		2018	Norway	Sweden

Hopefully, Denmark will be able to get back into the series. The cost involved for what are amateur players is a sacrifice.