Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/240181
53 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 12 JANUARY 2014 Overseas tide breaks on Kavallieri's rocks MIKE TURNER Swieqi Overseas .. 24 Kavallieri ........... 27 KAVALLIERI teamwork and spirit overcame the experience and skills of Overseas in a spirited and even game at Marsa. There were too many penalties, which caused stop and start match in some ways, but it was nevertheless entertaining because it was always a nail biter. Again Overseas were always a menace with so many elusive runners, but surprisingly the Overseas were out generalled and were not as hungry to win. The Overseas front row were a big influence and this manages to ensure that there attacks will be on the front foot. However Kavalieri spirit is back in buckets full and every inch against them has to be won. Kavallierei started on the attack and camped in the Overseas 22, opening the score with a fine penalty after a series of indiscipline by Overseas., but after a long period Overseas finally broke out and went on the attack, for prop Groves to drive in for an unconverted try. Edmunds tactical kicking was excellent, always find holes in the cover to gain ground for Kavallieri. Kavallieri young centre Imbroll is a dangerous runner and he scored the next try, converted by Edmunds. Then Frenchman Yulvé, who had been a very elusive scrum half for Overseas, committed a silly high tackle to earn a yellow card and ten minutes in the sin bin. Overseas also made an interception to sweep the length of the filed but fine Kavallieri tackling kept them out. Shortly after Fawara, the diminutive winger who tackles like a demon, followed a kick, gathered and stunned the defenders with side steps to score and extend Kavallieri lead. Overseas were by no means down and scored a fine try on the stroke of half time, converted by Stivala to draw up within 3 points of Kavallieri. To worsen matters for Kavallieri Borelli was yellow carded but the first half ended with Kavallieri leading 15-12. Second half began with a shock because Kavallieri, although a man down to the sin bin, came out with a bang. Despite being shoved backwards, Cutajar broke off the back of the scrum, slipped to Doublesin, doubled round to take the return, flicked to M. Bonavia who passed to Fawari as the Overseas were outflanked, for an excellent try. Horn the enjoyed a good run on the left wing after Fawari ran the ball out of defence to extend with another try converted by Cutajar, and Kavallieri were at 27 points. Overseas seemed to be tiring as the match went on and the strong front row were walking, Kavallieri veterans, Doublesin and Robert Bonavia had to be rested but when Cutajar had to go off after a heavy knock the game swung again towards Overseas. Edmunds made some poor kicks and Overseas were able to take advantage. First they recycled again and again and Busuttil scored a fine try under the posts to creep nearer the leaders. Kavallieri were playing it well, offloading and recycling to use up the time and Overseas seemed to fall for the tactic instead of running wide. Finally in the last minutes the speedy Borg broke away and ran 75 metres to score a final try for Overseas but it was too late and Kavallieri ended up the worthy winners by 3 points out of 51. Ladies tens Falcons 22 vs Kavallieri 10 A fine and even match won in the first half by Falcons; The second half saw a good fight back by Kavallieri. The standard is improving daily and these were two sides who could tackle, which is such a basic skill in rugby. Other results Division 1 Valletta 0 vs Stompers 80 Division 2 Stompers 0 vs Gladiators 17 Falcons 31 vs Saracens 0 Kavallieri 0 vs Marauders 52 Download the MaltaToday App now PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD RUGBY