Kavallieri stave off Gators' challenge

Kavallieri 36
Alligators 26

This was a great match played in excellent rugby spirit, a tough one for both teams as they gave their all on the field. Kavallieri continue to demonstrate their prowess in the league but Alligators are showing significant progress under new coach Ken Williams.

Kavallieri got off to a great start with a try early on following a five-metre scrum. Robert Bonavia doubled Kavallieri's lead with a break from another scrum soon after. Both tries were successfully converted.

Kavallieri then spread play out to the wings, allowing Chris Mallia to run in another try. Scrum-half Dario Schembri also converted two penalties to open a comfortable lead for Kavallieri at half-time.

The second half saw the start of an admirable fightback by Alligators.

Sullivan embarked on a powerful run, offloading to wing Sean Gregory and allowing him to show his speed as he ran in a try from halfway.

This was Gregory's first game for Alligators.

Kavallieri then came back with a Schembri try following a break by Borda from a maul.

But the Gators replied swiftly.

Chris Briffa broke through a solid Kavallieri back-line to set up Patrick Harvey for a try, successfully converted by Briffa.

Gregory then got his second try of the game as poor handling by Kavallieri, following a Gators clearance kick, allowed him to run the ball from beyond the halfway. The try was again converted by Briffa.

Kavallieri replied with tries for both wingers following great play as they passed the ball down the line. This was something Kavallieri have improved on this season and are using it to great effect.

Alligators scored the final try of the day, following pounding forward play. Robert Farrugia powered over the line to score in the corner in the dying moments of the match.

Briffa was again successful from the conversion.