Sliema Stompers had the best of the opening night to the MRL 2016 summer season, shooting to the top of the table after winning both their games in a 9s festival played at the Balzan FC Ground in the central region of Malta. In hot and humid conditions, South African Richard Gum impressed in his first appearance for the 2012 premiers, taking consecutive man of the match honours.

Captain and Malta international Sam Blyton-Keep led from the front for Origin RL, directing his side around impressively in their newly donated NRL South Sydney Rabbitohs kit as they won one and drew the other of their matches. Ever present Robin Cutajar was a rock for the Gladiators collecting three try assists, the Malta International being named as player of the round for his team after returning home late last week having picked up valuable experience playing in England’s University league.

In what is becoming the norm for the sport on the island, the matches were played at a later hour under lights so as to combat the fierce Mediterranean heat. Stompers Julian Caruana paid tribute to his team, “The games were well balanced. We are extremely happy with what we have achieved tonight after a very short preparation,” he said.

Damien Davis, another South African who played his first-ever game of league for the Gladiators commented: “It was a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to more games.”

MATCHDAY ROUND 1 RESULTS
Tuesday 21st June 2016 - Balzan FC Ground
1st game: Stompers 26 defeated Gladiators 22
2nd game: Stompers 24 defeated Malta Origin RL 10
3rd game: Malta Origin RL  4 drew  Gladiators 4