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Kavallieri Megaman Blue Label vs Stompers Ryans Bar 12-13

Stompers were a little fortunate to snatch a close victory with a penalty by M.Attard in the last few minutes after spending much of the afternoon shackled by a rejuvenated Kavallieri.

The game started with the Stompers back combining well, particularly the young fly half, Zerafa with captain M. Attard at centre, and Fountain bursting into the line from fullback. However Stompers were missing their two of their national squad front row and despite great effort were just coming off worst 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, in fact the defending tackles by both sides was excellent. After the first quarter which was even handed the Kavallieri strength began to impose territorial advantage which they kept up for most of the match, although could not break through the determined defence.

The hard hitting Kavallieri began to affect the confidence of young Zerafa, and as M. Attard was standing too far away some of his passes were becoming inaccurate, and he was replaced. Stompers also had to replace Tony Camilleri with Nathan Camilleri. Despite the territorial pressure Kavallieri could not manage a score and Rod Attard missed a very kickable penalty. Then some poor kicking by Kavallieri allowed Stompers out of their defence area for Malcolm Attard to miss a penalty in turn. If Stompers had taken the lead then it would have been gravely unjust, and the half ended with no score.

Shortly after half time, Kavallieri international Psaila burst through after Stompers hesitation and fumble gave away a lot territory, R. Attard converted to give a 7-0 lead. M. Attard reduced 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 the lead to 12 – 3. This inspired Stompers to hit back with frantic runs and offloads and for once the Kavalieri cracked when the powerful Debattista sped down the right wing through several tackles to score a fine try, converted by M. Attard to bring the score to 12 – 10. Again Kavallieri were pressing territorially and Stompers seemed to be pinned down.

Sadly for Kavallieri they then threw the match away with a far too well signalled drop goal attempt by R. Attard, which was charged down to let Stompers have a final attack, during which needless indiscipline gave M. Attard a penalty attempt to win the match, which he took eagerly, 12 – 13 to Stompers. Were Stompers lucky? No, they fought to the end, defended courageously, and when Kavallieri made the silly errors they were good enough to take advantage. Kavallieri will rue their errors, after playing so well for so long.

Globalair Overseas vs Alligators Cisk Lager FT 22-10

A very passionate 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 so much.

Valletta RFC vs Qormi Wasps FT 88-0

Valletta leapt to the top of the table of the Cisk League with a victory of 88-0 over Qormi Wasps.