Kavallieri 51
Valletta LIons 0

The inexperienced Valletta Lions had no answer to the strength and experience of the Kavallieri back row trio of Mangion, Bonavia and Allegrucci who, together with Grima, adopted their continuous power burst off scrums and rucks.

For some 20 minutes, the match was competitive, mostly owing to the Lions' gutsy defence. But, then, they lost confidence and shape and some crucial tackles were missed, which allowed Kavallieri to run riot.

Allegrucci had an impressive match, dominating the battle of the number 8s.

Grima notched four tries, Allegrucci, Borda, Micallef, Azzopardi and Doublesin scored one each and Grima, Doublesin and Azzopardi converted one each.

Valletta played a well-structured game with some verve and skill, and it will not be long before they become dangerous clients for the rest of the teams.

In the development game, their replacement players showed up well and their backs already show positioning, passing skills with some speedy running. Valletta's Pace is a handy flyhalf, the front row of Debattista, Vella and Rafa looks solid enough and the side is set to improve... above all they do have the spirit to fight back.

Overseas 5
Stompers 10

Overseas continue to be the most 'generous' team in the league, all their promise and good work undermined by slow thinking, bad defending formation and cheap penalties. They really could have won this match but threw it away.

Overseas were first on the scoresheet early on. After continued rucks and a series of quick-passing moves, Barloggio found space to burrow over.

Stompers were stung into action, mounting a long series of attacks within the Overseas 22, until two quick passes off a ruck put Mirabelli in from short range to draw level.

Stompers' backs were slick, as always, but the Overseas tackling held them off.

Overseas had a fine chip by Barloggio nearly putting in the quick and penetrative Bonnici. Another fine Overseas combination, between Stivala and Bonnici, was stopped by a superb cover tackle by Diamantino, of Stompers.

Overseas gained confidence and pressed hard to the line but conceded no fewer than four penalties through indiscipline and eventually allowed Stompers to kick clear for the half to end 5-5.

Satariano started for Stompers in the second half and immediately imposed his style and authority on the game.

Overseas' Wilson put in a 30-metre run but the possession was wasted by giving away another penalty. Stompers hooked it clear and not one Overseas player called to catch the ball to give away 40 metres.

Stompers constructed a wide-passing, top-speed burst stopped by a cover tackle by Wilson on Fountain. Stompers did it again as Satariano flicked to Attard who followed round the back to receive the return pass and the ever determined Debattista was in for the second and winning try.

Another glaring mistake by Overseas, running in front of the kick-off, squandered any ground advantage and possession, but Stivala, dangerous as usual, stretched Stompers' defence.

Stompers young prop, Pace Moore, got a yellow card to the sin-bin, probably for persistent infringements through inexperience. But, he had stood up well to the rigours of senior rugby, as did his young team-mates.

Stompers were a man down and it looked as if the match was there for Overseas to take, but it was Stompers who had the mental strength to raise their game and spent the closing minutes pressing hard.

New kits

Kavallieri RFC recently unveiled their new kits for season 2008/09 during an activity at the Hard Rock Café.

Club president Brian Miller, still a player in his late 40s, addressed those present during the launching in the presence of representatives from other club sponsors, namely Duncan Agius (Megaman), David Debono (Cisk) and Michael Debono (Hard Rock).

Miller said that a friendly will be played this month between Kavallieri and Valletta Lions.