While the national team were showing their character in Belgrade with a magnificent one sided win over the team, Serbia-Montenegro, who had beaten them in Malta earlier in the year, Stompers A came out impressive winners in the second round of the MRFU Sevens tournament at Marsa.

This international was dominated by Malta from the start as the players were determined to eradicate all thought of the German match. Only a fierce Serbian defence kept Malta from scoring many more points.

Newcomers Guy Kennedy and Simon Micallef were outstanding in their determined running and the only try was scored by Finlayson after Jamie Caruana had made a fine break out of a lovely backs move.

Rohan Spiteri had his kicking boots on to score 11 points, three penalties and a conversion.

The Malta pack were able to control the forward exchanges. National coach Damian Neill was so pleased that when asked to chose a "Player of the Match" he nominated the whole team for their huge contribution.

Meanwhile the local Sevens organisation was a little confused when only eight teams turned out instead of the expected 10, but the standard of play is visibly improving in this specialist type of rugby which is so popular, and may well soon become an Olympic Sport.

The fast moving and free flowing game is already part of the Commonwealth Games, so it is important for future development.

Stompers A were never seriously challenged, as they exploited their swift and elusive backs with intelligent distribution and support.

In the preliminary rounds they disposed of Alligators Cisk A by 40-0, Kavallieri Blue Label by 38-10, Overseas Hopleaf by 26-0, and the romped all over Alligators A again in the final by 41-0.

In the semi-finals, Stompers A beat Overseas A 26-0, and Alligators beat Overseas B by 40-5.

The Stompers TGI Friday squad have really mastered the essence of Seven-a-Side rugby in that they use the open spaces and wide support which stretches the opponents.

Such was the mutual support that it would be wrong to pick out individuals, although it was pleasing to see youngsters like Max Galea coming through and playing with the seniors.

Spanish newcomer Amando Chas also looked to be a useful recruit with his accurate kicks and intelligent running.

The women's rugby clubs had a week off but resumed yesterday.