Cyprus 10 Malta 37
A game that proved to be another lesson for our brave Mouflons.
Barely 3 minutes on the clock and Cyprus were caught out, conceding an early try.
This was followed by another a few minutes later. As the first half progressed Cyprus slowly began to grow in strength. They managed to score a try only to be ruled out as the last pass was deemed to be a forward pass.
The pack was out muscled in the early scrums with Malta appearing to be the stronger of the 2 sides. Malta added a 3rd try which resulted in a first half score of Cyprus 0 Malta 22.
The second half proved to be a different affair. Cyprus re grouped, head coach Andrew Binikos making some key changes. That urgency was echoed by the forwards coach Andrew Barnett who could be heard directing the players from the side of the pitch.
Our Mouflons knew that they were up against it and came out playing like a wounded animal that had something to prove bringing the required urgency.
This proved to be successful with the first try of the game being scored by substitute Giovanni Dall Amico. Marcus Holden who was back in the side following an absence of two years was not on song with the conversion kick. Malta scored a 4th try once again extending the lead, but Cyprus kept up the chase and soon added a second try which involve a move from the pack. Once again, the conversion kick went narrowly wide again missing the opportunity to close the score by a further 2 points.
Cyprus continued to poor on the pressure with the Maltese players falling by the way side with injuries. Cyprus then scored a 3rd try but again it was ruled out by the Scottish referee Hollie Davidson.
The game finished Cyprus 10 Malta 37.
The final game against Bosnia has become a must win game if Cyprus are to survive the relegation drop back into the Conference 2 South league.
Cyprus are the favourites to win however things are very much in the balance.
As they stand in the league table Cyprus sit above Bosnia on points difference. Currently out of the 3 games played by both teams, Cyprus have scored 56 points and conceded 117 a -61 points tally. With Bosnia scoring 18 points and conceding 121 giving them a -103 balance.
The next game is away Bosnia v Cyprus on April 6th. Watch out for the pre match build up here at the Parikiaki.
The Cyprus Rugby Federation would like to thank their sponsors and loyal supporters who attended and at the game and could be heard cheering a brave Mouflons on. In addition, a big thanks to those of you who tuned in to watch via Rugby Europe numbers have significantly increased since last season a trend that we hope will continue.
