Norway defeats Team Denmark to win Bronze at 2018 Nordic U19 Championships

Team Norway surprised the experts Sunday in Kristianstad, Sweden by soundly defeating the favorites, Team Denmark, 35-12, to capture the bronze medal in the 2018 Nordic U19 Championships.

Norway entered the game after losing decisively to Sweden in the first round and had not played a game before this tournament since 2009. In fact, this was the first win for Norway in this tournament since defeating the Danes 6-2 in 1998. Denmark has played in every Nordic championship since 1997 and were the favorites after their performance against Finland in the opening round.

Behind a three-touchdown performance in the third quarter, Norway roared out to a 28-6 and never looked back.

However, it was Denmark who took the early lead with Mike Matt Espersen scoring to put the Danes out in front 6-0.

The Norwegians responded to take a 7-6 lead in the second quarter. But then exploded in the third with three touchdowns behind the work of running back  Oscar Michael Lossius Allum and quarterback Anders Leine.

Leading 28-6, Norway let up somewhat early in the fourth and Denmark pounced scoring to reduce the lead to 28-12. However, the Norwegians added a touchdown late in the game to put it away.

Game MVP for Norway was Mads Abel Hilton while Julius Bunk Hansen was the top performer for Denmark.