Fixture

The Stars welcomed RTB to Libanus hoping to avenge the 100 point hammering inflicted on them in this fixture last season. Stars played up the slope in first half and had most of the possession but were unable to convert this into points. RTB defended well and from one of the few times they got into the Stars half they scored a converted try to add to the earlier penalty giving them a 10 point lead. About 5 minutes before half time scrum half Callum Williams scored a well worked try which he clearly grounded but the referee disagreed and disallowed it. 10 nil to RTB at half time.

The Stars started the second half in confident mood but again struggled to score points. RTB converted another penalty to extend the score to 13 nil. It seemed that RTB were having the lion share of the penalty decisions which were clearly frustrating the Stars forwards. The Stars eventually managed to get over the white wash; open side flanker Ross Martin scored the try which was converted by Nathan Hughes.13-7 to RTB.

The Stars failed to capitalize on a number of overlaps created and to add to their frustrations RTB were awarded yet another penalty to increase their lead to 16-7. The Stars became increasingly desperate as they neared the end of the game and full back Kieran Woods managed to get over the RTB try line but it looked as if he hadn't grounded the ball the referee however decided that he had and awarded the try to the dismay of the RTB supporters. With just 2 minutes of the game remaining the Stars could not clinch the victory; final score RTB 16 Stars 14.

At least the Stars gained a bonus point however this is a game they should have won. Fair play to RTB though, their defense was very sound especially in the 2nd half. Marc Williams was again man of the match for his line out skills and ball carries.

Stars next game is a mid week fixture next Wednesday against form side Abercarn.

Stars together stronger