Alligators fall apart in second half
Kavallieri 74Alligators 10\nKavallieri trounced a depleted Alligators who were missing some key players. It seemed as if Kavallieri coach Richard Beerman had learned from the brilliant performance by the Penguins the previous week and inspired his team...
Kavallieri 74
Alligators 10
\nKavallieri trounced a depleted Alligators who were missing some key players. It seemed as if Kavallieri coach Richard Beerman had learned from the brilliant performance by the Penguins the previous week and inspired his team to play hard running 15-man rugby.
They were obviously strengthened by two experienced newcomers, Irishman Chris Allen and Australian David Rodgers. The two brought rhythm and cohesion to the backs.
Alligators were unable to control the game with their heavy pack and without regular half-backs were unable to prevent Kavallieri launching a wide variety of attacks from all angles. Furthermore, there was no real combination in the backs where much good ball was wasted.
Hard driving from the Kavallieri forwards kept the Alligators on their heels, although at half-time the score was only 24-10.
The scoring was opened by two fine tries by Allen, who converted seven during the match.
Daniel Grima scored five tries by backing up multiple handling attacks as Kavallieri benefited from the strong wind in the second half.
Stompers 34
Overseas 34
As Overseas had already beaten Stompers by a 10-point margin, Stompers needed to win by ten clear points to qualify for the final.
They started really well with the strong wind behind them and Overseas only having 14 men.
The penetrative running of injured Malcolm Attard was missed by Stompers but Satariano was his elusive self, Mira-belli a powerful general and Fountain made two tries.
The Stompers forwards stood up well and at half-time they led 24-5.
However, the changeover saw a shift in fortunes as Overseas coach Grant Williams took the pitch to make up the numbers and they gradually wore down the Stompers' lead.
Fountain and Satariano left the field with injuries. Nevertheless, Stompers did not give in but suffered the heart-breaking experience of having two tries scored against them from their own attacks.
Greg van Reeven scored three tries, one of which from a dropped pass by Stompers which he pounced on and ran the length of the pitch.
The draw means that the Barclays Cup final will be between Overseas and Kavallieri.