Stompers stave off valid challenge

Kavallieri Blue Label 13
Stompers TGI Fridays 18

This match, watched by a bumper crowd at Marsa, was a clash between the two titans of local rugby - Kavallieri and Stompers.

Before kick-off, both stood neck and neck in the league standings and both looked hungry for all points that would give the eventual winners an edge over their rivals.

The game opened with Kavallieri's R. Attard scoring two successive penalties for an early lead. Stompers dug deep and M. Attard put points on the board by also scoring a penalty.

This kept Stompers in the game and snapping closely at Kavallieri's heels.

As rain began to fall, both teams fought hard for a try. It was A. Camilleri who emerged from the muddy melee to score one for Stompers. They snatched the lead at the end of the first half.

Stompers, riding on the wave of their last score, opened the second half with a try by M. Fountain, giving them a seven-point lead.

But Kavallieri counter-attacked ferociously and R. Bonavia scored a crucial try for his team. R. Attard kicked the conversion and the scores became level at 13 points each.

As the game hung in the balance, tension began to build. M. Fountain broke the deadlock with a try for Stompers that sent the team's supporters wild with joy. Kavallieri refused to go down without a fight and piled on the pressure.

Despite an effort from Kavallieri in the closing minutes of the game, Stompers reigned supreme.

Referee: Steven Busuttil.

Alligators Cisk 5
Hibernians Sharks 31

Sharks approached the game with their characteristic confidence, having already beaten Alligators in a previous showdown.

Coach Sam Ramage seems to be curing Sharks' problems as a record 21 players showed up for the match. Player shortage was one of the biggest issues that plagued Sharks in the past.

J. Camenzuli scored the first try of the game for Sharks with J. Crawford converting to give his team a seven-point lead. Sharks showed they were the top predators as their second try was scored by M. Seychell, also converted by Crawford.

Alligators pushed hard to get back into the game and seemed to get an opportunity when K. Chircop, of Sharks, was yellow-carded. But Sharks pulled together and cemented their lead with a try from A. Aquilina, converted by Crawford who was in excellent kicking form.

Sharks scented blood in the water and the second half saw them coming out in a feeding frenzy. Ramage took the first bite out of the wounded Alligators with a try in the early moments of the half.

Alligators showed that they still had fighting spirit as E. Axisa crossed the line to score his team's first try of the game. But Sharks circled and D. Stafrace scored the final try of the game.

Sharks are now one point ahead of Alligators at the bottom end of the standings. Both teams have just one fixture remaining. This Saturday looks like it will be a nail-biting photo finish between these two teams.

Referee: Carmelo Longo.

Standings: Stompers 19; Kavallieri 17; Overseas 15; Hibs Sharks 9; Alligators 8.