Stompers edge Kavallieri

Kavallieri 12
Stompers 13

The never-say-die Stompers were a little fortunate to win this one with a penalty by Malcolm Attard in the last few minutes after spending much of the afternoon shackled by a rejuvenated Kavallieri. The latter scored two tries against only one from Stompers and played nearly two thirds of the match in their opponents' half.

The game started with the Stompers backs combining well, particularly the young fly-half Chris Zerafa with captain Attard at centre, and Mario Fountain bursting into the line from full-back.

However, Stompers were missing two of their national squad front row and despite a great effort, were just coming off worse against the combative Kavallieri pack.

The biggest difference from last season was that the Kavallieri backs have now been well coached and although they are not as fast as Stompers, they were tackling superbly.

After a balanced first quarter, Kavallieri began to impose territorial advantage which they kept up for most of the match, although they could not break through the determined Stompers' defence.

Despite the territorial pressure, Kavallieri could not manage a score and Roderick Attard missed a very kickable penalty. Then some poor kicking by Kavallieri allowed Stompers out of their defence area for Attard to miss a penalty in turn. The first half ended 0-0.

Shortly after half-time, Kavallieri international Daryl Psaila powered through after Stompers' hesitation and fumble gave away a lot of territory. Roderick Attard converted to give Kavallieri a 7-0 lead.

Attard narrowed the deficit with a Stompers penalty but Kavallieri were rampant and launching attack after attack, until French newcomer Presset scored in the corner after a series of recycling attacks from side to side to stretch their lead to 12-3.

This inspired Stompers to hit back with frantic runs and offloads and the Kavallieri cracked when the powerful Luke Debattista sped down the right wing through several tackles to score a fine try, converted by Attard, to bring the score to 12-0.

Again Kavallieri were pressing territorially and Stompers seemed to be pinned down.

Sadly for Kavallieri, they threw the match away with a drop goal attempt by Roderick Attard, which was charged down to let Stompers have a final attack. Indiscipline handed Malcolm Attard a penalty attempt which he scored to give Stompers a 13-12 win.

Overseas 22
Alligators 10

A combative match, 10-10 at half-time, but in the end Gators were the less fit side and faded to leak two more tries.

However, the pleasing aspect is that there will be four teams competing for honours this year, as the overall levels have risen significantly.

Valletta RFC 88
Qormi Wasps 0

Valletta notched their first league victory after beating newcomers Qormi Wasps 88-0.