As the second half got underway the boys managed to build the lead further to 11-5. As we calmed down the pace of the game to try to control the score La Salle managed to climb their way back finishing the game at 13-12.

This victory places the Kavallieri team at the top of the leader board (draw on points with the same La Salle, but leading on goal difference). The victory vs La Salle was a historic one, given that the club had never managed to beat La Salle in the Under 17 league. With just four games left in the league, we are in for a great finish and a great show down with La Salle when we meet once again for the last time during the final round of games.

Kavallieri goals came from across the field, wingers Neil Holland and Matthew Ellul picked up 4 goals and 1 goal respectively. Backs, Adam Vella and Steve Bartolo netted 2 goals and 3 goals respectively, while Luke Mintoff scored 2 goals and pivot Alberto Cassar also netted a goal for the blacks.

Great defense work from all players, including Malcolm Calleja who was used solely for defense saw Kavallieri maintain a large goal margin for most of the game. This was back up by some fine saves by Mauro Sultana who denied La Salle from scoring in many occasions.

Man of the Match: Neil Holland (Kavallieri)

Final Score: Kavallieri 13 – La Salle 12

Therefore after Round 1 of 3; the Under 17 boys team secure second place behind rivals La Salle, who we lost against by 1 goal. The work being done by the team was clearly evident today and the team building and extra training during the Under 17 Live-In was clearly evident today.

Final Score: 32-12 (Kavallieri vs Luxol)

Kavallieri opened the score and managed to put a second goal on the board, after which La Salle B got into the game and started to work on closing the gap. The match was rather balanced initially, with both teams making good efforts , however La Salle B managed to get the upper hand. Despite some awesome saves of Carl Cauchi, who made his debut on goal in his first handball game (ever!), and saved 2 penalties in this first half, by the end of the first 30 minutes Kavallieri RS2 saw the opponent leading by 3 goals.

In the second half, Kavallieri RS2 and La Salle continued to display lovely handball action, and clearly the audience was loving the spectacle. Half way this second half, the difference in score increased in favour of La Salle B.  With the books showing 6 penalties given and 5 times a time suspensions of 2 minutes for several Kavallieri players, and no significant fauls on paper for the La Salle B defence, it seemed impossible to turn the tables around. With just 10 minutes left, and seven goals behind, Kavallieri started a desperate attempt to close the gap. Excellent defence, a number of fast breaks and quickly executed attacks where James Rausi managed to cash in almost every opportunity that was created, brought Kavallieri RS2 closer and closer. With just two minutes on the clock and one goal behind, another time penalty was given, and Kavallieri had to continue with five players. The extra effort required to keep the defence closed against six opponents was given with vigour, which kept La Salle B from scoring. With extraordinary amounts of will power, two successful attacks (with one man down, and one individually marked!) put the score in our favour, leaving just 30 seconds on the clock. Even these last 30 seconds, the magnificent five managed to keep the attackers at bay, and Kavallieri  RS2 got their well deserved victory!

Final Score:- La Salle B 23 – 24 Kavallieri RS2

Man of the Match: James Rausi (Kavallieri RS2)

To date this was the best score the Under 17 boys team have managed to achieve against La Salle in club history. We aim to take 3 points next time round.. And our league title hopes are still well and truly alive!

Kavallieri Scorers: Adam Vella (6), Alberto Cassar (3), Steve Bartolo (3), Neil Holland (1)

From the opening minutes of the game the Kavallieri girls out-classed the newly formed Starmax team. All our girls on the squad managed to get themselves on the scoring sheet. This successful opening game gave a great start to this years girls Under 17 league and hopes are high to bring the trophy home one more time.

Final Score: Kavallieri 43 – Starmax 3

The game did not start in our favour, failure to make the most of opportunities that presented themselves saw Aloysians maintain a two goal lead for most of the first half. By the half time buzzer the boys had to settle to a -4 score line with the score at 10-6. All was not looking good for the boys – however a brilliant second half team performance would see us take the lead.

Half way though the second half the score read +2 in our favor for the first time in the match.During the last minutes of the game Aloysians tried to make their comeback but a strong defense on our side maintained the lead till the end of the game. Even in a 2 man down for 2 minutes situation!

The win puts hopes up for the boys and club for this year league title.

Final Score Kavallieri 19 – Aloysians 17

The audience saw some solid play from Kavallieri, both on defence as well as on the attack. This resulted in a calm game, where we build up good attacks with good scoring opportunities. It was great to see that the scoring percentage on these opportunities was above average, which kept us close to the scoring of the opponent. The first half, we concluded with 3 goals difference (not in our advantage, though). We continued with the solid play, and managed not to lose the grip on the game. Some beautiful goals (and saves!) later, the game ended almost with a draw for the second half, marking the final score 17-13.

Besides the great effort of defence  and well-paced attacks, a special mention must go to Mario, who saved more than a normal amount of chances at goal, and definitely contributed to the excellent result.

-Denis.