Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/257374
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 FEBRUARY 2014 53 RUGBY Kavallieri dismantle Valletta Valletta Lions ........12 Kavallieri ..............67 MIKE TURNER UNDER new coach, Anthony Grif- fiths, from Wales, Valletta Lions are greatly improving but lack the final finesse.The scrums were uncontest- ed because Valletta front row were inexperienced, and this undoubt- edly had an influence on the fluidity of the game. Each scrum took a long time to set and the ball was deliv- ered slowly. International Cutajar, Kavallieri captain for the day, was dominant off the back of the scrum, leading for- ward rushes again and again. How- ever Valletta are now a hard side to play against and they defended val- iantly. Despite this Cutajar scored the first try, converted by Blyton. From the kick off Kavallieri camped in the Valletta half but could not penetrate. Then a dreadful Valletta clearance kick bounced awkwardly so Kavallieri failed to cover it. Val- letta snatched the loose ball and ran in a great breakaway try. A bad high tackle on de Gabriele led to a Kaval- lieri penalty try, unconverted. Kavallieri had all the advantage of territory, soon adding a further try and then Imbroll imposed a little of his personal magic side steppng and swerving over, converted by Blyton. Aquilina was the next scorer fin- ishing off some excellent passing, Blyton converted again to give Kav- allieri a 26 - 5 half time advantage. Over half time there was some dis- pute because it was felt that a Kaval- lieri player was trying to exert undue influence over the referee. Valletta began the second half in a very determined manner, driving and charging up the field, but Kaval- lieri won the ball in their own 22 and Blyton spotted the full back had left a big hole at the back, hoisted a fine kick into the hole and the irrepress- ible Imbrollwon the race to scoop it, was tackled but flipped the ball to Debierre at his side, who scored against the run of play. Valletta passion rose and they launched waves of attacks, which broke on the rocks of Kavallieri defence and finally Blyton punted a penalty superbly into the corner. However it was Valletta's turn to show their laurels in defence and they won the ball to clear. Sadly instead of kicking they tried to run from their own try lineuntil a poor kick dropped into the hands of the ever hungry Imbroll, who pounced to score again. Imbroll has a hunger for action and an eye for the ball. In fact one feels that he never loses concentration on the ball and the gaps in the opposition defence – a very promising playerfor the nation- al squad, provided he manages his aggression. Again, never-say-die Valletta stormed back but the difference was that, for all their effort, they did not have the finishing skills to score, until, after a long series of attacks by the forwards, taking on Kaval- lieri up front, a brawl broke out. At the termination of this Valletta were awarded a penalty try, which they converted. Kavallieri added another convert- ed try and the final try was scored by busy little scrum half, Schembri. Blyton gained confidence at fly half for Kavallieri and ended direct- ing the game effectively, as a fly half should. Sam Zammit and Joseph Zarha both had busy matches, and Kavallieri marched on in a success- ful season. If they continue to im- prove, Valletta can definitely chal- lenge next year. Rugby results Women's Seven Swieqi Overseas - Falcons ............ 0-40 Kavallieri - Stompers ................... 25-0 Swieqi Overseas - Kavallieri .......... 0- 45 Falcons - Stompers ...................... 26-0 Swieqi Overseas - Stompers ......... 10-10 Falcons - Kavallieri ...................... 21-10 Mediterranean Bank Cup Kavallieri - Valletta Lions .............. 67-12 Swieqi Overseas - Stompers ......... 26-19 Falcons - Swieqi Overseas B ......... 10-19 Gozo Bulls - Saracens ................... 24-7 Kavallieri B - Gladiators ................ 0-15 Marauders - Stompers B ............... 41-19 PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD Sport