The Malta Rugby Football Union Annual Dinner and prize giving was held at the Razzett tal Hbiberija, Marsascala on Friday July 8th.
It was a most enjoyable evening in convivial surroundings well serviced by the Razzett team with music and a big screen DVD of the rousing and vital victory over Denmark creating a stirring rugby oriented atmosphere.
"Born-again" President Kevin Buttigieg and ex-President Adrian Wirth both addressed the gathering, encouraging the members, players and supporters for the tests to come in the next season, preparation for which is now under way. Adrian. Wirth thanked all the members of his Council personally for the work they had accomplished during his term in office.
Kevin Buttigieg exhorted all the members of his council to face with confidence and strength the huge amount of work and great opportunities involved in continuing the progress of Maltese Rugby.
Both thanked and encouraged National Coach and Director of Rugby, Damien Neill in his wide ranging long term plans for Maltese Rugby.
Trophies and medals were presented for the season, as follows :-
Ray Elliott Cup - Stompers TGI Fridays RFC, runners up Overseas Hopleaf RFC
Cisk Lager League - Kavallieri Blue Label RFC, runners up Stompers TGI Fridays RFC
Barclays Cup - Kavallieri Blue Label RFC, runners up Stompers TGI Fridays RFC
Super Cup - Kavallieri Blue Label RFC, runners up Stompers TGI Fridays RFC
Medals were awarded to the winning teams and the runners up.
Individual awards were as follows :-
Player of the year - Patrick Satariano, Stompers TGI Fridays RFC.
Womens player of the Year - Anne-Marie Vella, Kavallieri Ladies RFC.
Referee - The Referees Society, President Don Hewer.
Most Committed MRFU Member - Bobby Bonavia, Kavallieri Blue Label RFC.
Best Youth Player - Max Galea. Stompers TGI Fridays RFC.
Most Improved Player - Nikki Vella, Sharks RFC.
Kavallieri were by far the most successful club, scooping three out of the four trophies, and to see their pride in this achievement underlined the famous "Kavallieri Spirit" which drives them to success.
Until another club can find similar motivation and dedication they could well dominate the local scene for some years to come.
The season was a triumph for club coach Richard Beerman who has managed to control and motivate some turbulent characters with skill and patience, resulting in a fine rugby machine.
This event was the second time that the MRFU and the Razzett tal-Hbiberija have co-operated in mutual support, the Kilimanjaro Trekkers having collected for charity at the successful Denmark international and sent their drummers to beat in support the Malta team.
The MRFU is pleased to have been able to support the Razzett tal-Hbiberija in recognition of the magnificent work carried out for handicapped children.