Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/224217
54 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2013 RUGBY Swieqi Overseas .. 66 Valletta Lions ..... 3 MIKE TURNER OVERSEAS posted a warning to all other clubs that now they have combined with the defunct Alligators they will be a force to reckon with. This was a superb display of team work rugby – excellent carries and offloads from the forwards and real speed from the backs. Time and again when a move looked like stopping there was a support player, more often than not coming at a telling angle, to carry it on and shred the opposition defence. However Valletta showed great character and never gave up the struggle against a better side picked from a large pool of players. Hooker Vella was an inspiration to a side missing several of the regulars. Overseas captain, the international Stivala, marshaled his team superbly and several may end up as newcomers to the National team, especially the speedy left winger. Stivala also kicked all his goal attempts bar one. So much of rugby is won from a firm front row base and Overseas now enjoy a young and solid trio. Valletta consistently attempted to launch attacks but the backs tended to lie to flat and the ball was taken flat footed, as Overseas backs and back row came up on them in aggressive defence. By contrast Overseas backs took the ball on the run and were nearly always able to make ground. One or two scores were missed by Overseas because of poor timing of potentially scoring passes by the centres. The Overseas players were more sophisticated and knowledgable about the game of rugby as several gallant covering defenders were victims of well timed hand offs. Several certain tries were stopped by gallant Valletta covering tackles. The Marsa pitch is now in the best condition it has enjoyed and it is slowly being brought to a very high standard. Overseas have definitely thrown down the gauntlet for the season, but they may suffer as usual from players being unavailable owing to travel and work schedules which could reduce their potential. Overall the standard of rugby played by all the Maltese teams has stepped up a further notch and as soon as a ( long promised) regular stadium and enough pitches are finally found the reputation of Malta will rise and spread even more. PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD Massive defeat for Valletta at the hands of Overseas