Before kick-off, both teams took part in a minutes silence in remembrance of HRH Prince Philip.
The first game of the day, and of the new season saw Straits Sharks against Europa Stormers and it was the latter who dominated from the outset, controlling much of the possession and territory, quickly building up a healthy lead. In fact, it wasn’t until the second quarter of the game that the Sharks were able to break free from their own half, already 24-0 down, and spend some time in the opposition half. A loose ball, however, was pounced on and quickly fed wide to debutant Seb Olah on the wing, who raced in for his first try for the Stormers, and with it the Stormers fourth try and a bonus point.
The Sharks hit back and camped on the Stormers line with a period of sustained pressure, but the defence held strong and when the half time whistle went, they had nothing to show for all their efforts.
32-0 at the break and if the game wasn’t already won, it was sealed within the first 10 minutes of the second half with the Stormers scoring three more tries in quick succession. As the Sharks tired, the Stormers utilised their bench and ran in another six tries to finish the game with an impressive 87-0 score line. Sweet revenge for a similar thrashing inflicted on them by the Sharks only a couple of seasons ago.
DHL Europa Stormers captain Chuqi Cruz was presented with the Spirit of the Rock GRC Man of the Match award for his efforts during the entertaining 80 minutes.
u-mee Gibraltar Rugby Championship 