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ALLIGATORS CISK LAGER vs STOMPERS TGI FRIDAY 0-22

In an entertaining game played in blustery conditions Stompers continued to please with their open, running game and Alligators continued their improvement of form.

With a strong wind behind them Alligators held Stompers to a 5-0 lead at half time, from a try scored by the ever dangerous Debattista. Alligators have improved drastically from an organization and strategic point of view, than in the past few seasons.

Stompers used the wide pitch to suit their wide fast running and crisp passing game, but made many unforced errors of handling and careless passing, in the face of a strong tackling defence.

Stompers veteran internationals Mirabelli, Mifsud and Diamantino were always in the thick of things, and Alligators Mike Farrugia was an effective general for his troops, well supported by effervescent Sammut and penetrative Womack.

VALLETTA LIONS vs QORMI BUDWEISER SHARKS 5-24

Notwithstanding the loss, beginners, Valletta Lions, stood out during the whole match. Coach, Mr. Davies, has achieved a great deal with a completely raw squad, who attempted to play a good varied game plan. They have some very promising fast backs. Their try in the first half was the result of good running and back up, and they kept the lead at 5-0 until well into the second half. Unfortunately, when Sharks began to apply pressure with the wind at their backs, the Lions discipline failed through inexperience and they lost a succession of players to the sin bin. For that reason the battering tactics of Sharks finally wore them down with a series of short range tries. By contrast Sharks charged head down with big men and battered to the line. They seemed to lack variation and ideas.

KAVALLIERI MEGAMAN CISK EXCEL vs GLOBALAIR OVERSEAS 27-12

It could be said that Overseas gave this match away by generous and unnecessary errors at crucial moments, but that would be a little unfair on the fitness of Kavallieri which enables them to constantly harass and pressurize opponents into errors.

Scrum-half Stivala was the outstanding Overseas player in a first half in which they had the edge, but still managed to lose through two periods of basic mistakes which gave away vast territory, allowing Kavallieri to score from close range, which is their speciality. The first try came after a lovely, lightning handling move across the line for Schembri to twist over. This young man shows great promise and it must be hoped he is given a chance to develop his skills as a possible scrum-half for Kavallieri. He has balance, looks for and uses support well, quick reactions and good defence – the only possible weakness being kicking. Another promising newcomer is Mallia, who only started playing this year. Doublesin was the main Kavallieri weapon, scoring two tries.

BEN BENNETT CUP – Women’s 7’s

KAVALLIERI MEGAMAN CISK EXCEL vs SHARKS SADDLES 24-5

The speed of Kavallieri and the beautifully applied teamwork which creates the overlaps to release that speed threatens to dominate the Sharks this season. Last years champions are still a fine team, aggressive and skilful, but they have lost their fastest runner abroad, and on the wide Marsa pitch they are suffering.

Although rucking, ball winning and tackling are about equal, Kavallieri have an advantage in scrummaging, which reverses last year’s situation. However, when the ball goes wide, the Kavallieri speed advantage tells and they ran in four tries to one.