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maltatoday, SUNDAY, 9 OCTOBER 2016 Sport 50 RUGBY Swieqi Overseas fend off a Kavallieri comeback to win the first Cisk League game of the season BRYAN CORLETT IT was two teams playing against the sun and a hard ground that started this first Cisk League game of the season. The presi- dent of Malta Rugby, Steve Bu- suttil, had to roll up his sleeves and referee this game. Overseas were looking for redemption af- ter losing the Ray Elliott Cup last week to Sliema Stompers. They started the game with intent, putting the young Kaval- lieri players under a lot of pres- sure. Overseas were dominating up front in the scrum and called a scrum for a penalty Pijoan (8) picked and had a go then of- f loaded to Devane Hinds (13) who scored near the corner, no conversion Overseas 5 Kavalli- eri 0 with just 7 minutes on the clock. Again from scrum pressure with a 15 metre drive with the ball under the Number 8s feet, Overseas worked the ball right for Mumphidiza (2) to score. Overseas 10 Kavallieri 0. But Edmunds for Kavallieri was kicking for field position to get his team on the attack and from a catch and drive from a lineout, Sean Doublesin scamp- ered around the maul to score. Overseas 10 Kavallier 5 and getting into the game. Joe Cutajar (8) coming through the lineout sacked the Overseas scrumhalf Pascal Holland, Kav- allieri were starting to gain con- fidence. From a penalty kick to the cor- ner from the ensuing lineout Overseas passed long and Hop- kins (4) off loaded to his mate Devane Hinds (13) who scored under the posts. With the con- version the score was Overseas 17 Kavallieri 5 and it was half- time. The wind picked up, favouring Overseas, as Kavallieri kicked off the second half. But it was Kav- allieri immediately going on the attack for Doublesin (9) to score his second try from a quick tap penalty, as Overseas were slow to set their defensive line. Overseas 17 Kavallieri 12 and Kavallieri were pumped and looking to take the game to Overseas. Under pressure Overseas have a kick charged down and Kav- allieri get a 5 metre scrum but Overseas won a tighthead Bow- en (7) picks and has a 40 metre run, from the ruck the ball went through the hands to Hinds (13) who put his foot down and ran 40 metres to score. With the conversion it is: Overseas 24 Kavallieri 12. Overseas have raised their game and from a lineout Har- vey (3) drove for the line when he held up the ball is sent out to Corcoran (10) he scored going over in a tackle. Overseas 31 Kavallieri 12. Referee Busuttil f lashed a se- ries of Yellow cards then Red, Borg (15) is yellow carded for a dangerous tackle, Bedarahan (14) a Red for tackling an Over- seas player, while that player was in the air catching a high ball. Chris Zahra was yellow carded for repeated infringements after being warned by the referee. Back to the game, Imbroll (14) had a couple of great runs with the ball, linking with the jink- ing Brendan Dalton (23) playing at fullback. Imbroll scored using his pace out wide, beating his marker with a swerve and speed. Edmunds converted. Overseas 31 Kavallieri 19. Kavallieri's Edmunds (10) was Red carded for a soft shoe shuf- f le on his opposite number Cor- coran (10). Down to 13 players Kavallieri were having to defend for all they are worth, but Over- seas scored again as the busy Richie Bowen (7) darts around the scrum to touchdown. Making the final score with the conversion Overseas 36 Kaval- lieri 19. An entertaining game to watch with the Overseas forwards set- ting the platform for their backs to perform, Kavallieri were al- ways snapping at their heels, but just could not finish off some promising moves. Man of the Match: Overseas Devane Hinds (13). Kavallieri Sean Doublesin (9). PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN STILON