Emphatic victories for Overseas and Stompers

As there was a referees' course taking place on Saturday, last week's matches were moved to Sunday. It was a special day in that the mother and father of the ex-national coach Ben Bennett were present at Marsa.

Before each match, the teams lined up for a two-minute silence in memory of Bennett who was much loved and who did so much to establish rugby in Malta.

His parents were here to see where his ashes had been scattered on the sea and to watch rugby to which he had dedicated so much of his life.

It was fitting that Sharks Hibs Strongbow and Panthers Yada Fitness Factory joined the tribute as the two ladies' teams were playing for the Ben Bennett Cup.

Alligators Cisk Lager 12
Overseas Hopleaf 67

Alligators started well, playing to their forward strength, and enjoying territorial advantage, but as soon as Overseas managed to win good ball they ran, passed and kicked to an attacking position from which Dalton burrowed over.

As soon as Overseas were near the Alligator try line, they formed an excellent wedge from the line-out and drove Allen over for his first of a hat-trick.

The rest of the first half followed the same pattern, with Alligators doing well, but Overseas having the class in running play where Alligators are still weak in their positioning. Lewis, Newbould, Spalling and Kemper ran in tries while Newbould converted three of them (half-time: 36-0).

Alligators launched a spirited fightback in the second half, with Pace scoring a try in the corner after a classic drive. Overseas replied with another from Allen supporting a superb break by Dalton.

Alligators were doing well but had some wind knocked out of them when Duffy intercepted an attacking pass to run 60 metres and score. Allen added his third and the icing on the Overseas cake came from two individual twisting and jinking runs from well inside their own defence, first by Newbould, followed by an even longer one from Lewis.

Stompers TGIFriday 79
Sharks Strongbow 5

Another big win which was tougher than the score might suggest for the winners. Sharks had no answer to the crisp passing, fast running and timing of the best backline in the league. Nevertheless, the tough Sharks forwards are a fast improving power who are giving all the packs a good match, but their backs defensive positioning still lets them down.

A major factor in the Stompers team is the vision and distribution of fly-half Satariano, this time paired with Max Galea in the absence of Matthew Mirabelli. His one weakness, kicking, seems to be improving too.

The speed, angled positioning and hunger of Attard and Chas were also a potent force as the Stompers backs showed yet again that they are the quickest thinkers this season, always having an eye for an attack from any position.

Despite conceding 55 points in the first half, Sharks Strongbow started the second half well, driving hard to establish territorial advantage and were rewarded with a fine classic try, forward pressure followed by excellent passing along the line to the wing who went over.

Chas made seven conversions and the try scorers were Attard 5, Satariano 3, Cornthwaite 2, Chas 1, Nicolic 1 and Mangion 1.

Ben Bennett Cup

Sharks Hibs 39
Panthers 0

A one-sided match in which Sharks exhibited considerable improvement and obvious response to their coaches' efforts.

Claire Portelli showed particular potential and may challenge for a place in the national squad.

Panthers are still showing a lack of confidence which leads to hesitation and leaves opponents gaps to exploit.

Nevertheless, the enthusiasm and individual determination are always evident.

Sharks ran in four tries in the first half and converted one.

In the second half, Panthers improved and Sharks only managed three tries with one conversion.