Stompers Rugby Club beat Falcons to lift Ray Elliot Cup 2022

On a hot summer day with at least a fresh breeze blowing, Stompers took out the first Malta Rugby Football Union competition game of the season.

The two teams winners from the previous season’s cup and league competitions played in this match.

Stompers came out of the blocks with their big runners bursting onto the ball and getting over the gainline giving their backs room to move.

John Ellul, looking lively, scored within the first 10 minutes bumping off two tacklers.

Gary Hili scored from a lineout catch and drive taking the score out to 10 nil.

Falcons were trying to get into the game finally putting Widdop over, as he bashed his way through two tacklers to score.

With the score now at 10-7 it looked like we had a game on our hands.

But Stompers scored again this time Martin Barbara going over and with conversion Stompers were 17-7 ahead.

Just before halftime Leymarie kicked a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Sam Ramage was keeping the game under control but letting play flow. The stop start nature of the game was more from poor handling and passes going to ground.

As play started in the second half at 17-10, it was still anyone’s game.

But Stompers increased their game speed and tries were scored twice by Jon Jon Micallef, twice by Dragan Cerketta with a conversion to Gruyer the score blew out 41-10.

Falcons gained some ascendancy with turnover ball and finally got the ball out to their flying winger O’Sullivan who went out wide and behind the posts, scoring two tries, making the final score 41-24, but it was the structure of Stompers that won the day.