Kavallieri girls provide stiff opposition to Oxford

In their first full 15-a-side match, Kavallieri, playing as representatives of Malta, gave their 100 per cent while holding a strong and experienced Oxford University Rugby Club side to lose by 58 points.

Notwithstanding the score, the Malta girls gave the visitors a tough physical test in their build-up to the annual Varsity Match against rivals Cambridge in early March.

To put the match in perspective, Oxford have won six of their eight matches so far this season and have already beaten arch rivals Cambridge 38-0 in a league match. One of their best players is Bethany Walsh, a current senior Welsh international.

Kavallieri were never going to win this one but their running and tackling was formidable. The difference between the two sides was that when Oxford had possession they managed to recycle and work the ball from side to side and gradually opened up an overlap for their speed merchants Walsh, Gellman and Dunstone to cash in.

Oxford named left-wing Sarah Dunstone their player of the match.

Unfortunately, the inexperience of the Maltese led to giving away a lot of penalties, which often made them lose hard-gained ground and gave the initiative back to Oxford. By agreement, coaches Damien Neill and Bobby Bonavia stayed on the pitch to help Kavallieri guide their positioning.

Sarah Vella was unavailable after an injury in a seven-a-side match, which reduced Malta's attacking options. Nevertheless, this was a commendable performance by Kavallieri with Nadia Gosney, Nathalie Vassallo, Esther Farrugia and small, but tough tackling, Victoria Aquilina deserving special mention.

After the game, both teams returned to the Kavallieri base at Zmerc Pub where they indulged in traditional rugby riotous celebration and noisy song with enormous enthusiasm and friendship. Kavallieri pledged their support for Oxford in the Varsity match and Oxford promised to return to Malta.

During their stay in Malta, they were helped in their training by Neill, the Malta national coach, who collaborated with Oxford's assistant coach Simon North.

Women's rugby is said to be the fastest growing sport around. The Maltese could perform well if only they can recruit enough players to find regular competition and gain experience.