The IBEX Buccaneers maintained their unbeaten record to secure their second consecutive Championship with an impressive and comprehensive win over the DHL Europa Stormers.
DHL Europa Stormers 3 – IBEX Bay Buccaneers 62
With the Championship at stake, this was an all or nothing game and it was the Buccaneers who dominated and had all but sealed the win by half time. From the start, they used their big pack effectively with Timmins and Waller repeatedly taking the ball into contact and, in the set piece, they overpowered the Stormers, providing a great platform for their backs. It was from a lineout and an ensuing ruck that they got their first score with Eastwell diving over. As is often seen, however, they made a hash of the restart, conceding a penalty and with a kicker as accurate as Cruz, it was an easy three points for the Stormers. But that was to be the last of their scoring as the Buccaneers began to squeeze the pressure and from another set piece, Sweeney broke for the line and, despite the covering tackle, managed to touch down. Although the Buccaneers were beginning to get the better of the possession and territory, it was still a tight contest, demonstrated by Lewis opting for a kick at goal to keep the scoreboard ticking over, rather than going for the corner. But it wasn’t long before they had their third try, again down to their forwards, with Kells scoring off the back of a five-metre scrum. Obviously, fired up by his score, only minutes later he galloped out of his own 22 and, although tackled, managed to off load to Neave who was following up and finished the move, giving the Buccaneers their bonus point try and a 31-3 lead just before the break.
The Stormers were finding it difficult to get into the game and despite some strong tackling were up against a rampaging Buccaneers team who started the second half the way they finished the first. Within five minutes they were back on the scoreboard with Neave nabbing his second, again initiated from a set piece and, with intelligent kicking, Lewis was keeping the Stormers pinned back in their own half. It was only a matter of time before they got another score this time with Loddo running a great line from an off load from Waller. The Stormers did have a bright spell with a sustained period of attack but, despite repeated infringements, they couldn’t convert that to points and the Buccaneers were able to clear and wrestle back control. As the game went into the final quarter, the Buccaneers were still full of running and tries by Payas, Graham and McNab brought the game to a close and a very successful season for the Buccaneers with back-to-back Championships.
InLine Framing Straits Sharks 12 – Sovereign Scorpions 54
The Scorpions unleashed what they’ve been threatening to do all season and unfortunately it was the Sharks who were on the receiving end. As with the game against the Buccaneers two weeks ago, their back line was sharp and incisive, and their forwards had enough muscle to give them good ball to play with. Both teams tested each other in the opening stages but it was the Scorpions who made better use of their possession and some great handling and running saw Stone go in for the first of what was to be a personal four try bonanza! While the Sharks came back, a loose ball from their drive was kicked into space and bounced nicely for Stone’s second. Confidence was growing and despite some powerful charges from the Sharks, the Scorpions defence coped well. Their handling and passing was crisp, as was the timing, which created space for their pacey back three and Griffon and Cook added two more scores before half time to give them some clear water at 26-0.
And the onslaught continued in the second half with Stone adding another two scores to his tally within ten minutes of the re-start, with fellow centre, Porral, getting in on the act shortly afterwards. But the Sharks never gave up and from a rare foray into the Scorpions 22, they won a penalty and quick thinking from Platt was rewarded as he dived over for a try. Winger Evans pulled one back for the Scorpions, completing the scoring from their in-form back line, but it was the Sharks who had the final say with a last hurrah from Jones at close range just before the final whistle.
A hugely satisfying first win for the Scorpions who can look forward with confidence to the Rock Plate in two weeks, whilst the Sharks will be looking to avenge this defeat and take home some silverware.
u-mee Gibraltar Rugby Championship 