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Championship Pool A

STOMPERS RFC 27 VS B’KARA ALLIGATORS RFC 8

Stompers superior fitness allowed them to increase their point difference in the closing minutes, going from 10-8 to 27-8. Nonetheless, the improving Alligators made them work hard for this win. The ‘Gators half back pair, Sammut and Devaney were extremely effective, and the back line, led by Farrugia a good unit. They lacked the extra speed to beat Stompers who had a bad handling day, even Morton, the usually headstrong Aussie, was juggling too much. ‘Gators tackling was also detrimental to the Stompers handling, exerting pressure on them.

Despite the strong leadership of veteran Stompers player Diamantino, the Alligators pack showed good discipline and frustrated Stompers, to the extent that Spiteri earned himself a yellow card. Not to mention that the highly promising player Percy Tonna went into emotional overdrive, instead of diverting his adrenaline into playing harder. Alligators full back, Leopold had a good game with some penetrating runs.

Debattista, Morton, Attard, Fountain and M. Camilleri scored the Stompers tries, with A. Camilleri converting once. Sammut scored a try for ‘Gators and Devaney kicked a penalty.

Championship Pool B

VALLETTA LIONS RFC 3 VS KAVALLIERI B RFC 56

This match was dominated by the more experienced and skillful Kavallieri first teamers who played with their B team. Kavallieri B centre Kurt Psaila started the damage by running through tackle after tackle by inexperienced players who just did not know how to play him. The Kavallieri pack were playing as a compact team unit led well by Cutajar and ably assisted by Grech. Doublesin and Bonavia, both internationals, were constantly influential and Cutajar had a marvelous day in the loose, backing and running against the Lions who became mesmerized and lost their defensive shape.

In attack the Lions are quickly learning the game; offloading and supporting. Promising fly-half Borg is beginning to forge a partnership with scrum-half Gingell, and the front row, Debattista, Vella and Aquilina are becoming solid operators. For Kavallieri B, Dario Schembri continues to develop as a scrum-half and all-round player.