Kavallieri take honours in thriller

Kavallieri Blue Label 34
Stompers TGI Friday 29

A brilliant thriller to begin 2006, with both sides determined to take the honours. In the end, it was probably the strategic coaching of Richard Beerman that tipped the odds in Kavallieri's favour.

Both sides launched into each other from the first whistle, the opening breakthrough coming after Grech Sant, of Kavallieri, had been sin binned for a yellow card offence. Fountain counter attacked from full-back and as he was tackled before the try line, Mirabelli was alongside to snatch up the pass and score for Stompers.

The next try was another piece of excellent creative backplay when Stompers players Satariano and Attard worked a full speed scissors for wing Galea to score in the corner.

Kavallieri's spirit was not dampened and they pressed hard to see Bonavia drive over which inspired them to a prolonged onslaught on the Stompers' line.

Stompers could only hold them by persistent infringement and eventually a penalty try was awarded, converted by Rodney Attard to give them a 12-10 lead.

Back roared the Stompers with a try after a long run by Nicolic down the left wing, converted by Satariano, to regain a slim lead. The inevitable Grima made a typical driving run for Kavallieri, held up just short, but Doublesin took the rucked ball and scored to bring the scores level.

Again Stompers took the lead with another passing movement, using the width of the pitch, ending with Camilleri scoring and Malcolm Attard converting.

At this point, Kavallieri nearly threw away the game when Borda was yellow carded to the sin bin, and Satariano soon exploited the numerical advantage by scoring one of his individual side-stepping specials.

Twelve points behind, Kavallieri upped the pace and Stompers began to slow down.

Another penalty in the 22 saw big Jason Pace burst over after the drive and fast release, Attard converted.

Kavallieri tightened the screw on the fading Stompers' pack and scored from a line out drive. Attard converted to regain the lead.

There was just enough time for Grech Sant to get sent off, joined by Mifsud, of Stompers, with a yellow card. Attard then rounded off the score with a late Kavallieri penalty.

Kavallieri nearly threw away the match by indiscipline and foul play... three of Stompers' five tries were scored when Kavallieri were minus a player in the sin bin.

Alligators Cisk Lager 32
Overseas Hopleaf 20

The ever-improving Alligators won this match with a disciplined, heavy and determined pack besides keeping their shape well in the backs.

Overseas played several newcomers. However, there is something lacking in their coaching. This season they have failed to produce an on-field general and strong guidance from the sideline has not been evident to rectify this.

On the other hand, starting from scratch with beginners, Alligators have improved steadily. Their pack was well disciplined and organised and used their weight and passion constructively.

Sullivan's opening try was literally a confidence trick which should never have worked against a side which was awake, as he walked 15 metres waving players away.

All the other Gators' tries were well worked with hard driving leading to quick releases and passing to well-placed support, usually Sullivan, who romped in four tries in the afternoon. Pace scored another and the last was a penalty try for killing the ball on the line, converted by Pace.

For Overseas, Chetcuti scored two tries, Van Reeven battered his way over and Rickards finished a long interpassing movement early on.

Both sides need to think in terms of looking for support and creating third and fourth phase rugby, as the ball tends to die after the first stop.