Due to injury and unavailability, Malta A were considerably depleted in a match played over three periods, 30 minutes, 20 minutes and 20 minutes, to give all the players a good chance to show their ability.

In the end, despite an uncertain start it turned out to be a productive event for National Coach Damian Neill.

The B side were really up for it and tore into the seniors, taking the first half after putting a lot of pressure on the A forwards.

After good forward territorial pressure they final spun the ball to winger Falzon who scored wide, but Newbould converted.

As the half wore on the experience and teamwork of the A side began to have an effect and the inevitable score came when Satariano twisted over after several forward drives.

However they were lucky to be there after some odd refereeing allowed them territorial advantage. Attard failed to convert so the first period finished at 5 - 7 to the B’s.

In the second period, after several changes to the B side, and a few to the A side, the A team backs really clicked into top gear, with lovely angled running, swift passes creating a confident rhythm.

Allan, Satariano, Reuben Vella, Nick Vella, Axisa scored good tries, Chas and Attard converting one each.

The third period was much more even as the B side brought back their big forwards and shared the possession.

Nevertheless Satariano scored a lovely individual try from a long way out and Chas converted to the final score.

Barclays Cup

Overseas Hopleaf 31

Hibs Sharks 7

Overseas had to work hard for every point against the ever improving Hibs Sharks. Territorially the game was pretty even, and the Hibs Sharks defence showed determined tackling against a somewhat pedestrian Overseas attack.

Overseas fielded two players who were completely new to the game of rugby, both US Marines and they adapted well, the winger, Carew, tackling very well and scoring a final try in the last minutes.

Kemper, Psaila, Schembri-Warren and Allen scored the other tries for Overseas with Goodwin converting one and Newbould too.

However the best try of the match went to Hibs Sharks, when the mighty Bobby Bonavia, standing wide from a ruck made a gap in the centre for Andrew “Butcher” Galea to use his bulk to take three tacklers over the line with him.

Hibs Sharks are beginning to look a dangerous side, with a very useful rightwinger, centre Nikki Vella and the two veterans, Bonavia and Longo teaching their squad. It will not be long before they give someone a shock.

Referee Bryan Corlett had an excellent match, faced with a lot of inexperienced players he talked them through the game with great skill.

Ben Bennett Cup

Panthers YFF 0

Hibs Sharks 34

Panthers are still improving , and gave Hibs Sharks a good game. At the moment they lack continuity as they have only just acquired a coach.

When they complete a good movement they stop and watch as if waiting for further instruction, nothing is yet automatic for them.

Neither do they yet have a sense of where they are on the pitch, which all leads to uncertainty. This will disappear with good coaching.

Hibs Sharks are improving too and two or three players could be pushing for the national side. Their teamwork, rhythm and fluidity is gelling.

Portelli, Barbara (3), Sultana (2), scored the tries and Gauci and Barbara converted one each.