Akrotiri Flamingos take title in Playoff
8th March 2008
by Ron James

Akrotiri Falmingos  20  Paphos Tigers 12

The Akrotiri Flamingos beat the Tigers on Saturday in the Joint Services Rugby Union league decider at Happy Valley. A small but enthusiastic crowd turned out to see a typically hard fought game between these keen rivals.

The game started with the Tigers having the slope advantage but it was Flamingos who started well with a sustained period of pressure on the Tigers line. However, poor decision making, handling errors and fierce defence by the Tigers kept the Flamingos out.

The Tigers had the early edge in the scrums and were dominant in the line out and gradually worked themselves into the game and finally got their reward when Marcus Holden chipped ahead, gathered and scored for a great individual try which he failed to convert.

The packs were evenly matched and the toughly contested rucks and mauls were made all the more interesting with some exotic refereeing decisions from the Argentinean referee.

The Tigers backs were not on form and promising moves were dissipated by poor handling and passing. The Flamingos were slowly gaining the upper hand and snapped up another mistake by Tigers for winger Felix Rosa to race the length of the pitch to score a converted try. Making the score 7-5 to Flamigos at half time.

Flamingos, now playing down the slope, scored again straight after half time with Rosa converting a good move along the back line to outflank a disorganised defence which was not converted. This made the score 12-5 and then a further score by Steve Thomas looked to put the game out of reach for the Tigers at 17-5 down. However, the Tigers then rallied and a bulldozing run by Warren ‘Deano’ Dean led to a score and pulled the Tigers to within a try at 17-12. However, a late penalty for the Flamingos sealed the game and they achieved well deserved victory. The game was tough and hard but played with good spirit. Flamingos were presented with the league trophy at the end of the game.