Alligators fail to shine against Stompers 'A'

A pleasing aspect last weekend was that for the third week running there was a sizable crowd at Marsa, despite the lack of facilities, for the national league matches.

Furthermore, two other locally-trained referees conducted the matches as national coach Damien Neill was present at both days... with his video camera.

Alligators 14
Stompers 'A' 43

This match was somewhat disappointing as Alligators were expected to give a better account of themselves. However, TGI Friday Stompers started at a fast pace, determined to move the ball along the back line and stretch the heavier Alligators defence.

Good interfacing and swift passing soon saw Malcolm Attard cross for the first try, converted by Calleja. Mirabelli then wrenched the ball from Busuttil's arms and put Satariano clean through, again converted.

National team captain Diamantino went off with a strained knee ligament. The half ended with Spiteri twisting over to bring the score to 17 without reply to Stompers.

The second half opened with a classic pushover and drive try scored for Alligators by Dave Gasan, converted by Waterhouse. This move encouraged optimism for the usual revival. However, Nikolic made his customary power felt as he charged in for another converted try for Stompers, followed by another good Alligators try by Waterhouse which he converted.

Then, Alligators lost it by having a player sin binned allowing Stompers to score three tries, two converted, but still finishing as easy winners.

Overseas 56
Stompers 'B' 7

Stompers never looked like a difficult match for Overseas but they never gave up trying.

Newcomers for Overseas, Psaila and Zarb, looked extremely strong and very promising to the extent that if they take learning the detail seriously, they could press for representative honours in a few seasons.

Even without the injured Newbould, the Overseas backs always looked dangerous and last year's rookie, Stone, is emerging as a major force.

The Overseas pack managed to push Stompers around the park and they notched up tries by Dalton, Stone, Allen and Rickard, three converted by Rickard, to lead 26-0 at half-time.

In the second half, Stone, Allen (2), Van Reeven, Dalton and Psaila, on his first ever game of rugby, all scored tries, none converted.

Towards the end, Xuereb scored for Stompers to a big cheer and Busuttil converted.

Sharks 0
Kavallieri 111

From the very beginning Kavallieri were rampant, playing their best fast-moving rugby to move the ball wide with crisp passing. They were stronger and far more knowledgeable than the newcomers.

International Daniel Grima scored six tries. Mario Debattista looked a very promising winger, Sean Doublesin made several penetrating runs, in fact just about everyone in the team played to their best.

This was very hard on the learners, but to give them credit they never lost heart. They will learn a lot from this drubbing. Many of the faults are easily spotted and can be cured. In fact, at the end their club spirit and camaraderie was magnificent.

The Sharks will be celebrating their official inauguration at the Hibs Ground on Saturday at 10 a.m. with sponsors Stella Artois.