Sliema Stompers 50
Kavallieri 5

Kavallieri were missing some key players and their absence was felt as they lost to Stompers who paved the way for victory with a polished first-half display. It now seems certain that Stompers will play in the Mediterranean Cup final.

From the start, they kicked into flowing rugby, opening up attack after attack. Jurgen Pavanello opened the Stompers scoring with a try on the blind side after the forwards had driven hard to the line.

Next up was Fountain. He scored by supporting another forward drive from full-back, conversion by Meintjes.

Kavallieri hit back with a drive to the line that was stopped by a hard Fountain tackle. Cumbo recovered possession, resumed the attack but though he held off Pavanello, he was tackled into touch.

Kavallieri gained territory and pressed with determination, but the powerful Alvarez made a stunning break out and only a smother tackle by Azzopardi prevented another Stompers try.

Then, more ground-eating charges by the Stompers pack took them well into Kavallieri territory. The ball was spun out to the effective Fountain who timed a perfect scoring pass to Ed Attard.

Some poor handling by Kavallieri set Stompers back on the attack, and this time the rampaging Cerketa ran through two tackles to score, converted by Meintjes.

Pavanello released Attard who sliced right through for another try, converted by Meintjes. Next up was Alvarez who scored after Cerketa offloaded to him. At half-time Stompers led 36-0.

Kavallieri were hit hard by injuries as the second half got underway. Strangely, they did much better and showed more spirit, spending a lot of time in the Stompers’ half but rarely looked fast enough to break the opposing defence.

Then, a piece of magic by Satariano unlocked Kavallieri and Meintjes was put through for another Stompers try, converted by Attard.

Kavallieri did not give up though and when Bartolo was given a yellow card, they upped their pace and Davey scored after a series of rucks and a 30-metre run.

This inspired them to camp in the Stompers half but a long, aimless kick enabled Stompers to break out, cause a ruck and then distribute to Attard who flipped to Pavanello. He was too fast for the cover and ran in a final try, converted by Attard.