The Malta Rugby Youth 7’s Leagues continues
The Malta Rugby Youth 7’s Leagues, sponsored by Gasan Mamao continued at the Marsa Rugby pitch during this weekend.
The U17’s got the games under way with Sharks playing Alligators, Sharks are a side that are increasing in numbers and fielded a good side and Alligators continue to show their resolve when under pressure.
The first try was scored and converted by Matthew Camilleri as Alligators took an early lead, by half time the score was 5 – 12 as Sharks pulled a score back through Jonathan Bonnici on the wing before Ben Pace replied with a fine try. In the second half Sharks seamed to lose their concentration and with that the ability to tackle the their opposition as Alligators ran in two more tries, the first scored by Nicky Vella and then Nikki Caruana converting his own score under the posts, Full time 5 – 24.
Alligators then played host to Kavallieri who are improving immensely and showed what they are capable of as they nearly caused an upset by beating the so far undefeated Alligators. Matthew Camilleri got the scoring under way early in the first half for Alligators by converting his own try, then followed quickly by Redeemer Bailey with a try before half time, HT 12 – 0.
The Kavallieri coach must have gave his boys some real self believe during the half time interval as the under dogs came right back into the match to take the lead 12 - 14 by scoring two converted tries, the first scored by Jean Pierre and the second by Sean Grech whilst both were converted by Chris Zahra. The few minutes that remained were real tense as both teams did not want to make any errors that would let their opposition win the match, unfortunately for Kavallieri their defence got drawn into the tackle area and with one great pass Alligators released their winger Matthew Camilleri to go in for a score at the end untouched, this shows that no lead no matter the margin is safe, FT 17 – 14.
Kavallieri played Sharks in the last match of the day, and both sides desperately wanted the win to show for their efforts. Sharks took the advantage in the first half by taking a lead of 12 – 0 into the break after scores from Giulio Sammut and Jonathan Bonnici, the first being converted by Miguel Tabone. Kavallieri came back into the match in the second half with a great try from Urry Yakeo and converted by Chris Zahra, Kavallieri pilled the pressure on Sharks late on to win the match but were kept at bay by Sharks defence, FT 12 – 7.
The U13’s got the Sunday morning underway with Falcons 1 v Falcons A in the first of the three matches in this age grade. Falcons A dominated this match from the start and were quickly in the lead at half time by 24 – 0, scores came from Urgin Gatt, Fabian Sacco, Dominic Attard and Ryan Borg converting his own try plus another.
The second half continued with Falcons A scoring another three tries this time a hat rick for Aaron Borg and he converted one also, full time 0 – 41.
Alligators took on Falcons 1 next and Falcons continue to improve there skill level with Fabian Sacco scoring twice and Mikela Farrugia also getting over the line, the later converted by Claude Vassallo, half time 0 – 17. Dominic Attard and Samuel Farrugia played well in the second half each getting a score from supporting the ball carrier for Falcons 1, final score 0 – 27.
Falcons A played Alligators in the last match, Alligators improved from there first match in their defence as Falcons found it hard to break through, however just before half time Aaron Borg managed to get over the line to score and Ryan Borg converted for a lead of 7 – 0. The first half effort from Alligators in defence had worn them out even though the spirit was still there; the tackles were not sticking and so Ryan Borg and Fabian Sacco both scored with Ryan converting both attempts, full time 26 – 0.
The U15’s fixtures were shortened in games in this round as Falcons 1 could not field a side due to illnesses. The first match saw Alligators play Kavallieri and this game was closely contested as even at half time the score was only 7 – 0 for Alligators with Anthony Bailey going over and converted by Zack Vella. Andrew Perotti managed to get a brace of tries in the second half with Zack Vella managing to convert one, full time 19 – 0.
Falcons A are becoming a very good side as they play with knowledge and use the whole team to get the desired result; this was easy to see as they took on Alligators in the second match. Chris Alfano opened the scoring with Italo Quelch and two from Andre Soler also, all converted by Italo for a commanding lead of 28 – 0 at half time. Alex Child came on as a replacement at half time for Falcons, and with his speed and agility he made a huge impression on the crowd and his coach as scored three great tries as he supported and ran through the defensive line in front of him, Chris Alfano converted one, full time 45 – 0.
Last match of the morning saw Kavallieri play Falcons A, once again Falcons took a good lead into the break of 0 – 14 as Chris Alfano and Italo Quelch getting one each with Italo converting his own score. As well known in rugby no lead is safe, and Falcons were guilty of relaxing and made some errors as they let Kavallieri back into the match with Thomas Aquilina getting two much deserved tries for his work rate on the pitch, Romareo Briffa converting the second score. With the score now at 12 – 14 Falcons put their brains back in gear and managed to get the clinching deciding try from Alex Child, final score 12 – 19.
