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NETHERLANDS DENY PORTUGAL HOME WIN IN OPENING LEG OF NATIONS CUP (14/10/2006)

By:: Laurant

Team Netherlands denied host nation Portugal a home win in the opening leg of the 2006 Serpent Nations Cup claiming a 3 point victory over Team Portugal(4) at the end of today's (Saturday) 24 races.

Portugal initially headed the standings but problems in the 4th round of today's competition saw the Dutch team of Danny Leewis, Rob Kuijpers and Stanley Bauer overtake the local to secure the Leg 1 winners trophy.

Good consistent performances by defending Champions Great Britain puts them just one point adrift of Portugal (4) to hold an overnight podium placing.

Next up in 4th position is Team Portugal (1) followed very closely by Team Austria who have 4 wins to their credit, the same as Leg 1 winners and overnight leaders Team Netherlands.

Team Spain, Leg winners at last year's Serpent Nations Cup, had a difficult day and lie 8th in the standings. Team leader Oscar Cabezas did however take 3 wins for the team and set the fastest lap of the day with a 17.817, a new official track record.

Leg 2 gets underway at 09:00 in the morning and with 5 teams still in the hunt for the Serpent Nations Cup it is all still to play for.

Standings at end of Leg 1

1. Team Netherlands

2. Team Portugal(4)

3. Team Great Britain

4. Team Portugal(1)

5. Team Austria

6. Team Poland

7. Team Portugal(2)

8. Team Spain

9. Team Portugal(3)

10.Team Ireland

Team Netherlands took Leg 1 victory over hosts Portugal

Team Portugal (4) got pipped to Leg 1 victory by the Dutch

Defending Champions Team GB hold 3rd after Leg 1