Baltic XL/Livonia crushes Šiauliai in second half to open title defense with a win

Latvia's strongest rugby club, Baltic XL/Livonia, played its first match of the new Baltic TOP League season on Sunday, August 9, hosting Lithuanian side Šiauliai in Baldone, and secured a convincing 45-17 win.

Facing one of last season's main title rivals, the Latvian side started cautiously, leading only 17-10 at halftime. In the second half, however, the hosts took full control of the match, breaking down Šiauliai's resistance and pulling away to a decisive 45-17 final score.

With this victory, the Latvian champions officially began their defense of the Baltic TOP League title they won last season. The match was held on the club's home ground in Baldone, which will serve as Baltic XL/Livonia's main venue for Baltic-level matches this season.