Stompers TGI Friday's 10
Kavallieri Blue Label 31

Kavallieri put to a halt Stompers' charge at the top of the standings with a convincing win that propels them in the reckoning for the championship.

Stompers sorely felt the absence of some key forwards. Their hard work early on paid off as M. Fountain found an opening that allowed him to score the first try of the game. Kavallieri were not deterred though and R. Attard put points on the board from a penalty.

Kavallieri kept the pressure on with effective passing moves and excellent supporting play. That enabled M. Bonavia to score their first try, which was subsequently converted by Attard.

Hard tackling, leading to flared tempers, was to be a recurring theme of this match often resulting in penalty kicks. Stompers seemed to be giving away territory with minor mistakes and the first half ended with Kavallieri having spent most of the time in their opponents' half.

The opening to the second half did not bode well for Stompers as I. Borda scored a try, converted by Attard. Kavallieri led 17-5.

Stompers hit back but were kept back by some fine defending from Kavallieri who consolidated their lead as C. Vassallo blasted his way through to score a try, again converted by the in-form Attard.

The win was all but sealed for Kavallieri when D. Borg charged through from another good drive that was again converted by Attard for a 31-5 lead.

Stompers made a last effort before the final whistle and P. Satariano scored the closing try of the game.

With this victory, Kavallieri have slowed Stompers' climb up the table.

A win at their next game will see them snapping at the champs' heels after four matches each.

Kavallieri: I. Borda, I. Borg, N. Borg, J. Cutajar, A. Grech Sant, D. Borg, P. Azzopardi, P. Mangion, K. Hopkins, M. Bonavia, J. Dienemann, C. Vassallo, R. Vella, R. Attard, O. Caruana.

Stompers: N. West, A. Bonello, D. Cerketa, C. Diamantino, J. Ellul, N. Calleja, E. Willis, J. Cornthwaite, M. Mirabelli, P. Satariano, N. Hardie, A. Camilleri, M. Attard, B. Nicolic, M. Fountain.

Referee: Steve Busuttil.

Standings: Stompers 10 (4 matches); Kavallieri 7 (3); Overseas 7 (3); Alligators 5 (3); Hibs 3 (3).

Women's Sevens

Kavallieri's unbeaten run came to an end on Saturday when they were beaten by Hibs Sharks 10-5.

Sharks had previously held Kavallieri to a draw, and this time they came out with all guns blazing. Tries from T. Sultana and C. Demanuele put them in an excellent position.

Kavallieri fought hard and were handed a good opportunity when Sharks had Sultana yellow-carded and C. Abela scored a penalty try.

The second half saw both teams engaged in a fierce fight. However, Sharks drew their opponents in to their tight style of play and retained their lead until the final whistle.

Both teams completed their Saturday commitments with victories over Panthers.

Kavallieri took some time before clicking into gear and finally overcome an improved Panthers side now under new coach Samuel Ramage.

Tries from D. Borg, S. Vella and R. Bondin secured a 15-0 win for Kavallieri.

Early tries from C. Demanuele and S. Debono put Sharks on their way to a comfortable 20-0 win over Panthers who had S. Rujuwara yellow-carded just before half-time.

T. Sultana added two more tries in the second half as Panthers had C. O'Brien yellow-carded late on.

Standings (after 10 matches): Kavallieri 27; Hibs 23; Panthers 10.