Sharks Hibs win ladies’ Ben Bennet Cup

As there was a referees course arranged for Saturday, this week’s matches were moved to last Sunday, which was a special day in that the mother and father of the ex-National Coach, Ben Bennett, were present at Marsa.

Before each Cisk Lager League match, the teams lined up for a two minute silence in memory of Ben who was much loved and who did so much to build rugby in Malta. His parents came to Malta to see where his ashes had been scattered on the sea and to watch the rugby to which he had dedicated so much of his life.

It was fitting that the two Ladies teams, SharksHibs and Panthers Yada Fitness Factory, joined the tribute as the ladies are playing for the Ben Bennett Cup.

Alligators Cisk Lager 12 Overseas Hopleaf 67

Alligators started this well, playing to their forward strength, and enjoying territorial advantage, but as soon as Overseas managed to win good ball they ran, passed and kicked to an attacking position from which Dalton burrowed over.

As soon as Overseas were near the Alligator try line, they formed an excellent wedge from the line-out and drove Allen over for his first of a hat trick.

The rest of the first half followed the same pattern, with Alligators doing well, but Overseas having the class in running play where Alligators are still weak in their positioning. Lewis, Newbould, Spalling and Kemper ran in tries while Newbould converted three of them, to make a half time score of 36 - 0 to Overseas.

Alligators started a spirited fight back in the second half, with Pace scoring a try in the corner after a classic drive, offload, spin and back up move showed how their enthusiastic traing is paying off.

Overseas replied with another from Allen supporting a superb break by Dalton.

Alligators replied with a Cutajar try after supporting a great break by Pace, converted by Steve.

Alligators were doing well but had some wind knocked out of them when Duffy intercepted an attacking pass to run 60 metres to score.

Allen added his third and the icing on the Overseas cake came from two long individual twisting, side stepping, jinking runs form well inside their own defence, first by Newbould, followed by an even longer one by Lewis. Newbould converetd another three to bring the score to 67.

However, Alligators made the Overseas work hard for this win and showed further improvement in their squad. Overseas passing improved towards their old standard which led to a much more coordinated performance.

Stompers TGI Friday 79 SharksHibs Strongbow 5

Another big score which was much tougher than the score suggests for the winners.

The Sharks had no answer to the crisp passing, fast running and timing of the best backline in Malta this season. Nevertheless the tough Sharks forwards are a fast improving power who are giving all the packs a good match, but their backs defensive positioning still lets them down.

This will improve with experience and good coaching. Their courage and determination are never in doubt, and they were unlucky with injuries

A major factor in the Stompers team is the vision and distribution of fly half Satariano, this time well paired with Max Galea in the absence of Mirabelli. His one weakness, kicking, seems to be improving too.

The speed, angled positioning and hunger of Attard and Chas were also a potent force, and the Stompers backs showed yet again that they are the quickest thinkers in Malta this season, always having an eye for an attack from any position.

Despite conceding 55 Points in the first half, Sharks started the second half well, driving hard to establish territorial advantage and were rewarded with a fine classic try, forward pressure followed by excellent passing along the line to the wing who went over.

This inspired more pressure but the Stompers defence was solid, and the effort gradually petered out until Stompers scored four more long range tries.

Chas made 7 conversions, and the try scorers were Attard, 5, Satariano, 3, Cornthwaite 2, Chas,1, Nicolic, 1, Mangion, 1.

Ben Bennett Cup

Sharks Hibs Strongbow 39 Panthers Yada FF 0

A one sided match in which Sharks exhibited considerable improvement and obvious response to their coaches efforts.

Claire Portelli showed particular potential and may challenge for a National squad place.

Panthers are still showing a lack of confidence which leads to hesitation and leaves opponents gaps to exploit. Nevertheless the enthusiasm and individual courage and determination are always evident.

They will undoubtedly improve with appropraite coaching.

Sharks ran in 4 tries in the first half and converted one.

In the second half, Panthers improved and Sharks only managed 3 tries with one conversion.