RC Rottweil opened its 2. Bundesliga Süd/West rugby campaign with a hard-fought 41-39 victory over Stuttgarter RC, according to a match report from club chairman Karl-Heinz Bahr. Played before roughly 160 spectators on a warm September Saturday, the fixture featured six lead changes and was decided only during the final minutes of regular and stoppage time.
First-Half Momentum and Stuttgarter RC Pressure
The match began with intense physical contact and immediate scoring opportunities for both sides. After Stuttgarter missed an early penalty kick, RC Rottweil took control of the early phase. Inside center Antoine Essomba scored the game’s opening try, which Lukas Kästner successfully converted to give the hosts a 7-0 lead.
Stuttgart responded immediately, pressing the Rottweil defense. According to the match summary, the visiting side converted three penalty kicks and added two tries before halftime, building a 20-10 advantage heading into the break.
Second-Half Lead Changes and Late Drama
The pace remained high after the interval. Rottweil capitalized on Stuttgart penalties to mount a comeback. Essomba and 3rd-row forward Fabio Carella each crossed the try line to push the hosts ahead 22-20.
Stuttgart answered right back with another try to reclaim the lead at 27-22. Momentum swung again when 1st-row forward José Mohn scored a try, converted once more by Kästner, putting Rottweil up 29-27.
The closing stages intensified when Stuttgart edged ahead once more. However, Essomba completed his hat-trick with his third try of the afternoon, and number 15 Valentino Vlees added another to extend Rottweil’s cushion to 41-34. Stuttgart narrowed the gap to 41-39 during stoppage time, but the home defense held firm to prevent a late equalizer.
Coach Assessment and Upcoming Schedule
Following the final whistle, the Rottweil coaching duo of Florian Dicu and Marian Butugan evaluated the team’s performance in their first competitive outing under a new tactical setup and formation.
“First game, first practical test in a new formation and with a new tactic,” the coaches stated in the club report. “The team showed maximum commitment, high playing speed, and a strong collective defense—but also one or two unnecessary lapses. At the same time, we saw what we still need to work on.”
RC Rottweil will host the newly formed SG StuSta Freimann / ESV München-Freimann on home turf for their next league fixture.
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