The UM Wolves RFC Men’s Team brought the 2023/24 season to a close in style as they faced a touring team from Wales in the form of Pontllanfraith RFC on a pleasant Friday evening at the Marsa rugby pitch.

The match took place on Friday 24 May 2024.

It was a team mixed with familiar names from the domestic season and some newer names, as development players got an important run-out and some significant game-time.

Pontllanfraith RFC were quicker out of the blocks, and they took a 5-0 lead with some quick forward plays off the base of the ruck within the first five minutes of the match.

It took some time for Wolves to find their groove, and the first try for the men in green came after a sweeping counter attack started by Gaston Fricker and finished by Club President Albert Galea – getting some rare game time out on the wing.

Wolves ultimately took control of the match as time passed: a double from Hamish Boult, tries from Gaston Fricker, Daniel Ghirlando and another try for Albert Galea, together with two conversions made for a comfortable final scoreline.

Pontllanfraith did get into double figures courtesy of a second try, making the final score 34-10 for UM Wolves RFC.

As is traditional for rugby – particularly when a foreign team is involved – the Wolves organised and hosted their Welsh counterparts for what is known as a ‘third half’ which took place at the club’s newest sponsor, Charles Bar in Swatar.

Several traditional after-match games played out, while the club exchanged jerseys and souvenirs to commemorate the trip.

This event was supported by SportMalta through a financial grant via the Sports Tourism Bed Nights Scheme 2024.