Sheer grit sees Kavallieri through

Kavallieri Blue Label 36
Alligators Cisk Export 20

Kavallieri started the game strongly with M. Scholey speeding away on the right wing but R. Parnis England pulling off a last-ditch tackle to deny the try. However, the 'Gator scrum-half was discomfited by injury as S. Montanaro went on for full-back and A. Borg moved to scrum-half. This loss for Alligators dictated much of the rest of the game as the less experienced rearguard was bombarded by a number of up and unders and defended with difficulty on a soggy pitch.

With 'Gator's lighter backs down, Kavallieri opened the score thanks to M. Xuereb. The try was converted by Beerman who took all the kicks (7-0). The 'Gators retaliated with a good ruck spoilt by Kavallieri going offside... Thompson took the penalty well (7-3).

But Kavallieri soon stretched their lead with Scholey scoring under the posts, easily converted (14-3).

Their opportunities were foiled by some desperate 'Gator tackling and on 28 minutes, C. Pace made a fine interception to score beneath the posts, also converted by Thompson who took charge of 'Gators' kicks at goal (14-10).

I. Borda relieved rookie J. Pace in the Kavallieri front row, but Alligators crept closer when C. Pace was high-tackled and Thompson took the penalty well (14-13). But then a 'Gator lapse of concentration gave M. Debattista a try on the wing (19-13) and the half-time whistle was blown.

The second half started off with the 'Gators hunting for points, with relentless rucking. But a determined Kavallieri broke out, P. Mangion went on for C. Griscti at flanker and a line-out set-piece turned into a maul in the 'Gator 22m for a push-over try by I. Borda (24-13), but the conversion was difficult.

M. Ancilleri went on for A. Grech Sant in the Kavallieri ranks but the 'Gator morale was high and a sequence of quick penalties and good interplay between the back-row forwards resulted in K. Bugeja scoring from the back of a try-line ruck (24-20), converted.

The 'Gators went on in the same aggressive vein but were dealt a severe blow when A. Borg had to be replaced by J. Buttigieg at scrum-half on 26 minutes and J.J. Micallef went on for S. Busuttil.

At this point, Kavallieri slowly started turning the game in their favour, with G. Doublesin scoring a try, converted (29-20).

Injuries were taking their toll on the 'Gator pack, with M. Borg Manche replacing K. Buttigieg at hooker and Kavallieri's backs, ably supported by their backrow, looked more dangerous and took the ball up at pace.

Finally, Kavallieri prop N. Borg, sealed the issue with a try to give his side a 36-20 win after what seemed an endless injury time.