Bold Sharks punish erratic Gators

Qormi Sharks 28
Alligators 15

With the first round of the Cisk Lager League completed, the focus last weekend shifted to the MRFU Cup with the participation of all teams making up Pool A and B in the championship.

Qormi Sharks set foot on the pitch looking to surprise Pool A opponents Alligators. Determination and a pinch of luck did the trick for the Pool B outfit.

Indeed, 'Gators started strongly and, led by their resolute pack and the incisive running of half-backs Devaney and Sammut, they pressed hard for an early lead. However, they failed to make the best of their possession, wasting wide overlaps again and again by individuals holding on too long and trying to beat a tough-tackling defence in solo moves.

The Gators also suffered greatly from injuries, losing both half-backs and their effective tactical play. Eventually, the only penetrative back was Leopold from full-back.

Sharks, inspired by Andrew Galea, played to their strengths. Their backs grew in confidence as the match wore on. Falzon was always a potential danger with his bursts from deep.

Player-coach John Micallef Moreno secured the result with a smart interception of a sloppy lob at halfway, sprinting more than 50 metres, commendably outrunning the cover defence.

Leopold and Bugeja scored tries for the Gators and Devaney converted one while Sammut brought home a penalty. For Sharks, Ford, Aquilina and Micallef Moreno scored the tries while Crawford and Aquilina converted four of them.

Valletta Lions 0
Overseas 50

Despite this being a one-sided affair as the scoreline shows, Valletta Lions produced yet another spirited performance. Their matches are always entertaining because coach Davies has instilled an all-round game ethic in his players.

Valletta have excellent teamwork and try to support and make good use of all the pitch. Morever, in Borg, the Lions have one of the best kickers in local rugby. Hesitation at crucial moments is still an issue though and the return of the experienced Leo Mifsud from injury is much awaited.

Pool A contenders Overseas have a potential which still has to be unleashed to the full. They have one or two prominent players who clog up the flow of play at crucial moments. When facing teams of the same calibre, or higher, this could cost Overseas useful points.

Scrum-half Vince Stivala looks promising. If marked improvement is what he is after, he needs to address certain areas; fitness and teamwork for instance. There were moments when he was too ambitious when a quick pass would have opened up a gap.

Devaney looks fitter and better this season, a boost to lock power. Overall, Overseas' backs stood out with a superb tight performance.

With the departure of Phil Felice, Overseas welcome on board a new coach, Welshman Roger Bradley. It will be interesting to see whether the change will bring about the desired effect.