Last-gasp win for Kavallieri

By Mike Turner

Mrs Elliott presented the Elliott Cup, dedicated to the memory of her husband Ray, to a triumphant Kavallieri team, which snatched a dramatic win in the final seconds after Galea of Stompers failed to clear his lines and gave a ‘hospital pass’ (i.e., a pass that exposes the receiver to the danger of a high tackle) instead.

The match was refereed by top class official Mr Crooks from Manchester, backed by Mr Halliday and Mr Cove as touch judges ,as part of the exchange arranged through John Ranson: the ex British Lion who now lives l/o Siggiewi.

Maltese ref Stephen Busuttil was also assessed by RFU assessor Mr Alan Farmer and this team will be refereeing the youth  rugby festival..

From the start the Kavallieri pack posted their style of domination of possession by recycling ball after ball, but the attacking waves were breaking on the stalwart Stompers defence. Chris Vassallo made a welcome return for Kavallieri and was prominent throughout the match, and Sean Doublesin was always a speedy danger.

However Stompers opened the score with a superb try after the full back fumbled a speculative high kick and Galea pounced to score a fine try, converted by Camilleri. Stompers’ speed was influential.

Kavallieri worked hard to gain territory and Vassallo barged over for a try but Schembri missed the conversion. Player/coach Emmerson was a weak point for Kavallieri at fly half because of poor distribution which wasted so much good ball

Stompers full back Fountain was injured, which removed a good attack option.Half time score: 7-5 to Stompers.

Stompers began the second half with some excellent running attacks as they stretched the ball wide. The game rocked back and forth until Grima mad a thirty metre burrowing run off the back of a lineout to restore the lead to Kavallieri.

Stompers fought back and Pace-Moore drove over after a long siege of the Kavallieri line after fine tactical kicking gained position.

Mallia was yellow-carded as Stompers looked the more likely winners until in the dying moments, when a long kick by Doublesin was fielded by Galea who, instead of clearing his line, gave a hospital pass inside, and the Kavallieri pack pounced, drove for the line and Grima grounded for the winning try, converted by Mallia on his return.

Rugby results:

Ray Elliot Cup:

Kavallieri 17  -  Stompers 12

 Cisk League:

Valletta 30 - Alligators 5 

Malta 10s Challenge:

Kavallieri 31 -  Stompers 12

Overseas 38 -  Falcons 5

 Ladies:

Tunisia Ladies Select 25 - Malta Ladies Select 15