Stompers win sets up tense finale

Kavallieri 10
Sliema Stompers 44

This was a striking win for Stompers as they came from behind at half-time to beat Kavallieri and stay in contention for the Cisk League.

Now, the championship will be decided in the matches of March 17. Any one of the top three teams can win it in one of the most exciting title races for years.

Kavallieri started this match with a strong wind behind their backs.

Fiore attempted a drop goal early on but missed as the territory was all Kavallieri’s but they were not scoring, partly because they did not take easy penalty kicks at goal.

Camilleri and Fountain were prominent in counter-attacks from deep inside the Stompers half but Kavallieri continued to exert pressure, just failing to cross the line against a well-marshalled de-fence.

Pavanello was taking some good high-ball catches and using his speed to stretch Kavallieri. A Fiore clearance was charged down and Stompers were within a few metres of the line. Cerketa led a charge but grim defence by Kavallieri kept them out.

Then, confusion reigned in the Stompers’ defence as Kavallieri kicked deep and Fiore scored a much-needed try to open the score. He failed to convert.

A 5-0 half-time lead after playing with such a strong wind behind them was poor reward for Kavallieri and Stompers immediately hit back after the restart with an Attard penalty.

This seemed to sting Kavallieri who scored a superb try after a nicely-timed distribution along the line to wing Debierre put him into the corner.

Stompers stepped up a gear and launched a series of hard-running attacks. The Kavallieri defence began to panic and gave away another penalty which Attard converted from halfway for a timely booster.

Kavallieri suddenly ran out of ideas and Stompers confidence grew with a dazzling display of skill and speed, combining both forwards and backs as a fast-running unit.

Five excellent tries were scored – Attard (2), Pavanello, Fountain, and Camilleri. Attard had a fine day, converting every kick for 24 personal points.

Debattista is developing as an ideal centre for Stompers and when Satariano came on as a substitute, he injected his own impeccable timing.

Briffa was a constant hard worker with Pavanello showing progress every week.