Algarve Football
The Algarve’s two representatives in the men’s Portuguese Primeira Liga have continued their poor form throughout March. Farense (Faro) and Portimonense (Portimão) have not tasted victory since January, meaning both sides have slipped down the table towards the relegation zone. The two sides play each other in the last game of the season, but, by then, they hope to have picked up enough points to avoid dropping back down into the second division.
Guia Feminino continues to set the pace at the top of the table in the Women’s Regional Division 3. After last season’s relegation, they remain undefeated as they look to advance to the playoffs, which would see them bounce back to National Division 2 South at the first attempt.
Algarve Rugby
CRUAl rugby club will host two youth games against international opposition at Browns Sports Resort near Vilamoura. On 23 March, they will play an under-14s match against Langley from Vancouver, Canada, whilst on 5 April, there is an under-15s fixture against Garryowen Rugby from Limerick, Ireland. Children and parents across the Algarve are invited to attend the games to sample a taste of rugby culture. Training sessions are held on Tuesday and Thursday in Lagoa, and on Monday and Wednesday in Faro.
International Rugby
The Portuguese women’s national side have won their first ever match in the 2024 Rugby Europe Championship. Following last season’s historic promotion, Portugal are playing in the second tier of European rugby. Despite losing their opening match 31-7 against the Netherlands, a 27-0 home victory over Sweden saw them create a little piece of history in their first victory at this level. They conclude their championship with a tough away match against current champions Spain on 30 March.
The Portugal men’s team lost in the final of the Rugby Europe Championship in Paris. Following a thrilling 33-30 victory over Spain in the semi-final, Portugal advanced to face Georgia, who they met in the group stages in the recent World Cup. On that occasion, Portugal outplayed their opponents and came away with an 18-18 draw. However, this time, they were no match for the powerful Georgian side and never looked like pulling off a victory. A series of Portuguese errors meant that Georgia went in at halftime 12-3 to the good, having kicked four penalties to one. The second half was one-way traffic, with Georgia scoring four tries before a late consolation from replacement winger Rodrigo Marta. The final score was Georgia 36-10 Portugal.
Basketball
Twenty twenty-four has been a tough year for the two Algarve sides in the men’s Liga Portugal de basketball. Immortal (Albufeira) and Portimonense (Portimão) have struggled to pick up points and sit precariously close to the relegation zone. They both face several crunch games over the next few weeks as they aim to preserve their top-flight status.
The top women’s side Immortal Tcars (Albufeira) sits comfortably in mid-table as they look to press on and make the end-of-season play-offs. Their campaign has been strong to this point, and they have all but guaranteed another season in the top division of women’s basketball.
Surfing
Algarve surfer Yolanda Hopkins has qualified for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris by reaching the semi-finals of the World Surfing Games. The Faro-born athlete finished fifth in Tokyo in 2020 and will look to be amongst the medals this time round. Following qualification, Hopkins exclaimed, “It’s incredible. It seemed like such a distant dream and today it happened. I don’t even have words.” Despite the Olympics being held in France, the twenty-five-year-old will travel to the French island of Tahiti for her event.
RISING STAR – Miriam Martins
Miriam Martins is one of Portugal’s hottest young prospects in handball. The eighteen-year-old plays for the Gil Eanes (Secondary School) in Lagos which features in the National 1st Division. Miriam has also represented her country at international-level for both the under-17 and under-18 sides. In February, the Lagos municipality honoured Miriam with an award for best breakthrough athlete. The Gil Eanes club also won the best team and best coach awards. With the season ending in May, Gil Eanes are comfortably in mid-table and look a safe bet for another season in the top flight.
If you wish to publicise a sporting event or a ‘rising star’ contact our sports editor David Lugg: david@tomorrowalgarve.com
