A brilliant thriller to begin 2006, with both sides absolutely determined to take the honours. In the end , it was probably the strategic coaching of Richard Beerman which tipped the odds in Kavallieri’s favour.

Both sides launched into each other from the first whistle, the first breakthrough coming after Grech-Sant of Kavallieri had been sin binned for a silly yellow card offence. Fountain counter attacked from full back, exchanging passes and repossessing the ball to run some 70 metres. As he was tackled before the try line, Mirabelli was alongside to snatch up the pass and score for Stompers.

The next try was another piece of excellent creative backplay when Stompers’ Satariano and Attard worked a lovely full speed scissors to release Satariano to pass to wing Galea who scored in the corner.

Kavallieri spirit was not dampened and they pressed hard to see Bonavia drive over, which inspired them to prolonged onslaught on the Stompers line. Stompers could only hold them by persistent infringement and eventually a penalty try was awarded, converted by Rodney Attard to give them a twelve - ten lead.

Back roared the Stompers with a try after a fine long run by Nicolic down the left wing, converted by Satariano, to regain a slim lead. The inevitable Grima made a typical driving run for Kavallieri, held up just short, but Doublesin took the rucked ball and scored to bring scores level.

Again Stompers took the lead with another swinging and swooping passing movement, using the width of the pitch ending with Cammilleri scoring and Malcolm Attard converting.

At this point, Kavallieri stupidity nearly threw away the game when Borda was yellow carded to the sin bin, and Satariano soon exploited the numerical advantage by scoring one of his individual sidestepping specials.

Twelve points behind and all to play for, Kavallieri upped the pace and Stompers began to slow down. Another penalty in the 22 saw big Jason Pace burst over after the drive and fast release, Attard converted.

More territorial pressure as Kavallieri tightened the screw on the fading Stompers pack, they scored from a line out drive and Attard converted to regain the lead.

There was just enough time for Grech-Sant to disgrace himself receiving another yellow therefore a red card send off, joined by Stompers Mifsud with a yellow card, then Attard rounded off the score and the match with a late Kavallieri penalty.

In one way Kavallieri were lucky in that they nearly threw the match away by indisciplined foul play, three of Stompers five tries were scored when Kavallieri were minus a player in the sin bin, and Bartolo was fortunate not to be sinbinned too.

On the other hand they are fortunate to have a coach like Beerman who can spot the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition and knows how to exploit them.

Alligators Cisk Lager 32

Overseas Hopleaf 20

Another excellent start to 2006 when both these teams provided the spectators with entertaining rugby.

The ever improving Alligators were a revelation, with a disciplined, heavy and determined pack, and keeping their shape well in the backs.

Overseas played several newcomers/beginners, which is commendable in that it brings in players.

However, there is something lacking in the Overseas coaching, because this season they have failed to produce an on field general and strong guidance from the sideline has not been evident to rectify this. Conference with the National Coach recommended.

On the other hand, starting from scratch with beginners, Alligators have improve steadily.

Their pack was well disciplined and organized and used their weight and passion contructively.

Sullivan’s opening try was literally a confidence trick which should never have worked against a side which was awake, as he walked fifteen metres waving players away.

All the other Gators tries were well worked with hard driving leading to quick releases and passing to well placed support, usually Sullivan, who romped in for four tries in the afternoon. Pace scored another and the last was a penalty try for killing the ball on the line, converted by Pace.

For Overseas Chetcuti scored two nice wingers tries, Van Reeven battered his way over and Rickards finished a long interpassing movement early on.

Both sides need to think in terms oflooking for support and creating third and fourth phase rugby, as the ball tends to die after the first stop.