Stompers, Kavallieri march on

After the welcome news that Malta had risen to 53rd in the world rugby rankings following the victory over Serbia and Montenegro, last weekend it was back to the domestic clashes in the Cisk Lager League.

Stompers TGIFridays 71
Alligators Cisk 27

Stompers started in high gear, pressing hard through the pack and swinging the ball wide with crisp accurate passing. The first inevitable try came in the corner by Chas. Satariano then made a decisive break to put in Attard, who added another a few minutes later.

Alligators woke up and started playing to their own strengths, keeping the ball well controlled by their heavy forwards. Sullivan scored two tries and Pace a penalty.

However, when Stompers could win good ball, their running play was always threatening. They pulled away again to lead 33-13 at half-time with tries by Mirabelli and Satariano, converted by Chas.

The second half erupted with a superb break by Fountain, backed by Attard who gave the scoring pass to Mirabelli. Chas then scored a try and Attard scored his third after Satariano created a miss move to make a gap. Chas converted all three. More quick passing allowed Nicolic to run round the defence for his first try.

Alligators hit back with another converted try, before the Stompers hooker ran well for his first. Alligators were never overpowered and came battling back to force a penalty try before Nicolic finished with a final flourish for Stompers.

All in all a spirited match and often good standard of rugby. Alligators should be pleased with the way the old hands are guiding the many newcomers and are giving everyone a difficult time.

Stompers are the form side this year but, unfortunately, showed signs of allowing themselves to be rattled, collecting two yellows and a red card during this encounter.

Hibs Sharks Strongbow 10
Kavallieri Blue Label 46

Although Kavallieri never looked in danger, Sharks managed to give them a rough ride. In fact, Peter Curmi kicked an early penalty to give Sharks a three-point lead for some minutes.

However, it was not long before well rucked ball and wide passing gave Frenchman Romeo Isabe a try.

Kavallieri then scored another through the inevitable Grima after the typical forward drive as a unit.

Next up was Mangion after more close passing and driving, followed by the elusive and powerful Isabe and Zahra to give Kavallieri a half-time lead of 29 to 3.

The second half was a much more even affair. The experience at prop of Borda often saved Kavallieri from embarrassment as he disrupted the Sharks' ball winning. Grima, Doublesin and the powerful Vassallo scored tries for Kavallieri, Attard converting one. Curmi got one back for Sharks which he converted.

This year, it is obvious that no side is a pushover and the standard of rugby in the league is improving.

Women's Sevens

There was one match from the Women's Sevens, the Ben Bennett Cup, in which Kavallieri beat Sharks 19-0.

This was a fast and interesting match that highlighted the improvement in skills. Kavallieri always had that extra edge to be able to release players with scoring passes.

Nathalie Vassallo scored two tries, Colette Abela one and Esther Farrugia converted two. Again, it was not an easy victory by any means.