Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/236916
46 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 5 JANUARY 2014 RUGBY Swieqi Overseas RFC show their superiority IN an entertaining series in perfect weather conditions at Marsa, Swieqi Overseas RFC emphasise their superiority. However it is clear that the clubs have not yet realized that Sevens rugby needs a different approach from the fifteen a side version. Thus the tactics used were a little naïve at times. Overseas 19 vs Valletta 0 In this match Valletta started off using poor tactics from the start and failed to either use the width of the pitch and gave Overseas ample room by bunching up. Overseas were always in control and were able to stretch Valletta with their timing and speed? As always Valletta tackled bravely but Overseas score two tries, converting one to lead 12- 0 at half time. In the second half they added another converted try to extend the lead comfortably. Vince Stivala was hugely influential, guiding and marshalling the shape of Overseas gameplan. Sliema Stompers 29 vs Falcons 7 Falcons juniors have now become strong young men and despite the score made a tactically superior Stompers side work hard, with some excellent tackling and physical dedication. Galea"s su- perb passing was a major feature in launching Stompers attacks and Fawara, on loan from Kavallieri, with his speed and footwork, was a major beneficiary of his timing. This tiny man also made two stunning tackles to stop certain scores. Schranz was also a tower of strength. Gozo 12 vs Overseas 22 Gozo tool an early lead in some untidy and confused play from the start but this shocked Stompers awake and they equalized straight from the kickoff. Overseas continued to dominate against plucky defence and took the lead soon after. As they continued to attack Gozo intercepted a sloppy lobbed pass, and a 75 metre dash saw them restore the lead. However Overseas exerted their undoubted superiority and experience to add 12 points and end as comfortable winners. Valletta 20 vs Gozo 5 a man sent to the sin bin for foul play and Valletta took an early lead and looked to be able to dominate, extending the lead with another converted try. However despite the pressure Falcons hit back with a determined 100 metre sprint from their own line to score a converted try. This should have been stopped but there was a blatant missed tackle. This turned the match psychologically as Falcons tails were up and in the second half they added two more converted tries to run out comfortable winners. ing the ball on the burst to break through. Ths core speaks for itself and the Stompers coaches need to get the squad to concentrate on tackling training as soon a s possible. Stompers 5 vs Overseas 17 Overseas clinched the first place with a hard earned win against a determined Stompers side which just did not have the speed to shut down the fast feet and hands and the clever tactics of Overseas who managed to stretch their brave defence too many times and end as worthy winners. Valletta continued to bunch up but managed to use strength to gain ground and score from short range. Gozo hit back to draw level, taking a quick penalty as Valletta were slow in thought. However Valletta added a further three tries to end as comfortable winners. Results 1. Swieqi Overseas 2. Sliema Stompers 3. Falcons 4. Valletta Lions 5. Gozo Bulls. Falcons 21 vs Valletta 12 LADIES TENS; Falcons 55 vs Stompers 5 In the match for 3rd and 4th place Falcons started badly with by but the difference was in the tackling. In this the Stopers were simply "pussies" and the Falcons absolute "tigers". This meant that Stompers were always on the back foot and Falcons were always tak- Both sides played attractive rug- PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD MIKE TURNER