Kavallieri RFC celebrated their 13th anniversary and the start of the new season by embarking on a tour to Barcelona where they also had the opportunity to play two friendly games.

Kavallieri have been preparing for the warm-ups since August under the supervision of the club's new player/coach Keith Hopkins.

The first game, against Quimic ER, ended 15-7 for Kavallieri.

Quimic compete in the first division of the Catalonia League. The friendly had a late kick-off and both teams observed a minute silence following the recent death of the Spanish Rugby Referees Society chairman's father.

Scorers for Kavallieri against Quimic were Sean Doublesin (two tries) and Roderick Attard (two conversions).

The second friendly was against Reus ER, a team from the third division of the Catalonia League. This gave Kavallieri an opportunity to field new players, some of whom had their first ever game with the club.

Kavallieri RFC produced some impressive rucks and mauls before winning 15-5. The game was played in memory of one of Reus's players who died nine years ago. The parents of the latter presented the trophy to Kavallieri captain Pierre Mangion, who, in turn, offered Reus ER the promise to contest the trophy in four years' time.

Another highlight of the Kavallieri tour was the visit to the first production plant of Roca air-conditioning units - the team's new sponsor for the next two years.

Accompanying Kavallieri during the tour was Ivan Cassar, managing director of MegaAir, Malta agents for Roca Air-conditioners.