Last weekend, Malta Marauders lost their second game of the veterans season, 38-0 to Mad Dogs RFC, a touring team drawn from four top London sides.

It was clear from the outset that Mad Dogs were in no mood for a sociable contest at Marsa and adopted a win-at-all-costs approach right from kick-off.

A series of late hits on the blind side of the referee throughout the game marred what was billed as a 'friendly'.

Mad Dogs were fit, well-organised and played to their strength, namely, the rolling maul.

Marauders' lack of match practice as a unit was soon exposed in set pieces, particularly at line-outs where they were missing three key players through injury. The backs were also lacking their usual cutting edge. They were not helped by having to play off the back foot for most of the game.

A series of unforced errors in both the backs and forwards allowed Mad Dogs to turn over possession and score three tries in the first half, two of them converted.

No inroads

After the break, Marauders forwards started to play with more cohesion and won clean ball in the scrums, which kept their try line safe for 20 minutes.

Unfortunately for them, the backs were unable to make inroads into the visitors' watertight defensive line.

In the last quarter, injuries started to take their toll on the home side and Mad Dogs, who had the pick of 20 extra players as substitutes, ran in two further tries. They were awarded a penalty try, all converted.

Man of the match for Marauders was Charlie Sammut with Roland Stevenson running him close. Phil Felice also had a solid performance up front.

On Sunday, Marauders take on Northampton Men's Own in another friendly at 3 p.m.