The Stompers were missing some key forwards in their line up, and the effect of this was immediately clear in their confidence levels.

The Kavallieri appeared to be getting the best of the play in the opening stages of the game, but then had R. Vella yellow carded.

Stompers’ hard work finally paid off and M. Fountain found an opening that allowed him to score the first try of the game. Kavallieri were not deterred and R. Attard put points on the board by scoring a penalty. N. Hardie from the Stompers then left the field of play with an injury giving the Stompers more cause for concern.

Kavallieri kept the pressure on with good passing moves and excellent supporting play. This paid off when their M. Bonavia scored their first try, which was subsequently converted by R. Attard.

Hard tackling, leading to flared tempers, was to be a recurring theme of this match often resulting in penalty kicks.

The Stompers seemed to be giving away territory with small mistakes and the first half ended with the Kavallieri having spent most of their time in their opponents half.

The opening moments of the second half did not bode well for Stompers as I. Borda scored a try for the Kavallieri, converted by R. Attard. The Stompers counter attacked but were blocked at every turn by fantastic defensive play from Kavallieri.

Stompers turned up heat, but again their bite was often blunted by mistakes that gave away vital ground.

Kavallieri then took a secure lead as C. Vassallo blasted through Stompers’ defence to score a try, also converted by R. Attard who was kicking on form despite the wind. D. Borg then cemented Kavallieri’s victory scoring a try following another good drive down the field.

This was also subsequently converted by R. Attard. The Stompers made a last effort before the final whistle and P. Satariano scored the closing try of the game.

With this victory, Kavallieri have slowed Stomper’s climb up the table. A win at their next game will see them snapping at Stompers heels for the top of the table position and the excitement level in this hard fought league has certainly gone up a gear.

Kavallieri Blue Label RFC: I. Borda, I. Borg, N. Borg, J. Cutajar, A. Grech Sant, D. Borg, P. Azzopardi, P. Mangion, K. Hopkins, M. Bonavia, J. Dienemann, C. Vassallo, R. Vella, R. Attard, O. Caruana.

Substitutes - J. Pace, J. Zahra, M. Mangion, L. Jonsson, B. Miller, G. Attard, O. Scerri.

Coach - Mr. Keith Hopkins

Stompers TGI Friday's RFC: N. West, A. Bonello, D. Cerketa, C. Diamantino, J. Ellul, N. Calleja, E. Willis, J. Cornthwaite, M. Mirabelli, P. Satariano, N. Hardie, A. Camilleri, M. Attard, B. Nicolic, M. Fountain.

Substitutes - M. Spiteri, D. Mascena, L. Mifsud, J. Tonna, M. Galea, J. Zammit, J. Reljic, J. Kewitson.

Coach - Matthew Mirabelli

Referee: Steven Busuttil

Scorers: Fountain, Bonavia x2, Borda, Borg, Satariano (Tries), Attard x4 (Cons), Attard (Pen)