Stompers dominate after shaky start

Stompers 52
Overseas 5

It all began so well for Overseas. Their pack obtained possession of the ball and for the first ten minutes of the match pegged Stompers well inside their own half.

For a long period they dominated the game only a few metres from the opposition's line. But it was not to be.

Stompers were let off the hook with a penalty and worked their way upfield.

A quick heel and slick passing by Patrick Satariano put Chris Busuttil over in the corner.

The pattern was set for the rest of the game, Stompers making the most of their opportunities, Overseas failing to play to their strength in the pack.

After 30 minutes, a period of scrappy play was finished by quick passing to Nikolic who placed the ball firmly between the posts - a try that was converted by Malcolm Attard.

But Overseas fought back with determination which was rewarded five minutes before the half-time whistle. Greg Van Reeven found himself in the right place at the right time and put five well deserved points on the board.

The remaining time was enough for Stompers to show off their talents.

A well-executed movement along the three-quarter line and beautifully timed passes finished with a try scored by Mario Fountain.

A half-time score of 19-5 was probably a little flattering to Stompers but it was the writing on the wall.

After the turn-round, cracks began to show in the cohesion of the Overseas forwards. Any time that Satariano got his hands on the ball a try was on the cards.

It was all so unfair on the Overseas forwards who had toiled so hard all afternoon for so little reward. The line-outs were dominated by the faultless jumping of Overseas no.7, Piers Allen and right lock, Daryll Psaila.

The full-time score belied the run of play.

The large discrepancy was down to the fact that Stompers played to their strengths, while Overseas failed to play to theirs.