Stompers tame Alligators, Lions leave positive impression

Alligators 0
Stompers 22

In an entertaining match played in blustery conditions, Stompers continued to impress with their open, running game but Alligators are also slowly but surely picking form.

With a strong wind behind them, Alligators restricted Stompers to a 5-0 lead at half-time, from a try scored by the ever dangerous Debattista.

Stompers used the wide pitch to capitalise on their wide fast running and crisp passing game, but made many unforced errors of handling and careless passing, in the face of a strong tackling defence.

Stompers' veteran internationals Mirabelli, Mifsud and Diamantino were always in the thick of things, and Alligators Mike Farrugia was an effective general for his troops, well supported by the effervescent Sammut and the penetrative Womack.

Valletta Lions 5
Qormin Sharks 24

Notwithstanding their defeat, newcomers Valletta Lions cut a good figure throughout the whole match.

Their coach Roger Davies has achieved a great deal with a completely raw squad who attempted to adopt a good varied game plan.

They have some very promising fast backs. Their try in the first half was the result of good running and back-up, and they maintained their 5-0 lead until well into the second half.

Unfortunately for the Lions, when Sharks began to apply pressure, aided by the wind, the Lions' inexperience was all too evident as they lost a succession of players to the sin bin.

For that reason, the battering tactics of Sharks finally wore them down with a series of short-range tries. By contrast, Sharks charged head down with big men and battered to the line. They seemed to lack variation and ideas.

Kavallieri 27
Overseas 12

It could be said that Overseas gave this match away through generous and unnecessary errors at crucial moments, but that would be a little unfair on the fitness of Kavallieri which enables them to constantly harass and pressurise opponents into errors.

Scrum-half Stivala was the outstanding Overseas player in a first half in which they had the edge but still managed to lose after a series of basic mistakes which gave away vast territory, allowing Kavallieri to score from close range, which is their specialty.

The first try came after a lightning handling move across the line for Schembri to twist over. This young man shows great promise and it must be hoped he is given a chance to refine his skills as a possible scrum-half for Kavallieri. He has balance, looks for and uses support well, has quick reactions and good defence, the only possible weakness being his kicking.

Another promising newcomer is Mallia who only started playing this year. Doublesin was the main Kavallieri weapon, scoring two tries.