Chris Morton

Stompers Win the MRFU CUP!!!

2009-05-06T18:59:00.003Z

My rugby team, Stompers, also won the Malta Rugby Union Cup. The Cup is a separate competition that runs parallel with the league. It is a round robbin comp where you play each team just once. The top 2 teams then play off for the Cup. This year we faced off against Overseas.

Here is the write up in the local papers:

Source: http://www.maltasport.com/modules/knowledge/item.php?itemid=3804

Stompers claimed the MRFU Cup after beating Overseas 22-13 in the final on Saturday.

Overseas started with a hiss and a roar, immediately putting Stompers under pressure and within 29 seconds of the game, scored their first try, out wide by Vince Stivala after Overseas picked up a wayward pass and ran it in. The conversion was waved away and Overseas lead by five points to nil.

From the kickoff, Stompers ran it through their backline and went close to scoring, with some surging runs by both backs and forwards. Overseas were making the tackles to keep them out, but finally Overseas were penalised for the tackler not rolling away and Attard stepped up and drilled it; Overseas 5 Stompers 3.

It was around this time, just 9 minutes into the game, when under pressure from Stompers, Stuart Holliday tried to run the ball out of trouble, on his own goal line, when he was caught in a tackle and down he went, with an injury to his leg.

Once play started again Stompers kicked long and as Overseas tried to run it out from their line, a poor pass was intercepted by Chris Morton, who then ran it in under the posts, with Malcolm Attard slotting the conversion it was Stompers 10 Overseas 5.

Play see-sawed up and down the field, with neither side being able to finish off promising moves, as the defense shut them down. The half ended with the score unchanged.

In the second half, Overseas lost their Australian fullback Justin Barlogio, due to an injury. Overseas kicked a penalty just a few minutes into the half, to give their supporters some hope again, which took the score to: Stompers 10 Overseas 8.

It was very much a defensive game, as both Stompers and Overseas piled into each other with the big hits, not allowing any continuity in the play. A number of dropped passes did not help the cause and led to a stop start affair.

Steve Busuttil had the game under control, but was trying to let things flow. Overseas were winning the territorial battle, but just could not finish off any of their promising moves.

Diamantino went off with an injury, after establishing control in the line-outs, which then allowed Overseas, to gain at least parity for the lineout ball. Overseas back three were scavenging for the ball well and were trying to get big Clayton Cassar to clatter his way through the 10 channel, but every time, he was scythed down, by Patrick Satariano.

Satariano was trying to get his backline functioning, but on a number of occasions, he was caught by Stivala coming through, putting him under pressure. The Overseas Captain Josh Howland was yellow carded for slowing down the tackled ball, with hands in the ruck.

It was the last 15 minutes and Overseas, who had been battling all day to stay in the game, started to look tired, that midweek game against Kavallieri was beginning to take its toll.

It was allowing Stompers that extra yard to move in, so they began to work it around in the backline, a sweeping move upfield with Mario Fountain in the line to create the overlap and to run his winger, Tom Diacono, into the corner for the try.

A swirling kick from Attard, from the touchline, just snuck over the bar and it was Stompers 17 Overseas 8.

With the extra lineout ball that Overseas were getting, they spun the ball through their backline and laid siege to the Stomper's line, winning a series of rucks, sucking in the defence, then going wide for O'Reilly to go over, 10 metres in from the corner. Stivala's kick bounced back off the uprights. Stompers 17 Overseas 13

The Stomper's backline was finding space out wide and again, they ran it at the tiring Overseas defence, outflanking them, their winger heading for the corner, then giving an inside pass back to Attard who was backing up the move for him to score wide out.

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Stompers Win the Malta Rugby Union Log

2009-05-06T18:45:00.003Z

We won the local Malta rugby union log! We were undeafeted after Christmas which was amazing!

This was our last regular season game, which if we won, would secure the title. We did!

Source: http://www.maltasport.com/modules/knowledge/item.php?itemid=3676

Stompers were crowned Malta rugby champions after beating Kavallieri 46-31 in an entertaining encounter in the weekend.

This game will be looked at as a milestone in local rugby and to be talked about for years by the crowd of several hundred who were there, barracking for their team to win.

Both teams were missing their Malta national team players, who are preparing for the next two internationals, against Latvia (away 18th April) and Holland (at home 25th April). Each player had to raise his game to make up for the depleted ranks.

When Stompers were two tries up, thanks to Mario Fountain and Luke Debattista, after some slick passing in the backs, with just 15minutes on the clock, it looked as if they were going to run away with it.

But then a Stompers player was sent to the sin bin, for tripping. Kavallieri, with a series of pick and goes in the forwards, laid siege to the Stomper's line and scored two tries, through Sean Doublesin and Robert Bonavia, crashing through the defense, from close range.

Three points were kicked by Malcolm Attard, when Kavallieri were penalised midfield, for not releasing in the tackle.

Satariano was marshalling his backs, with crisp passing and slick interchanges, hitting his strong running fullback Fountain, who scored again, when he chimed into the backline at pace, taking a delayed, flat pass and side stepping the Kavallieri rush defense, to score in the corner. With no conversion, the score was 22-14 to Stompers.

Kavallieri kept the game tight, with their forwards carrying the ball up field. The Stompers defense kept them from scoring. Finally, Kavallieri won a penalty for a Stomper's player not rolling away after the tackle and Roderick Attard kicked the three points.

A defensive kick by Satariano, that was allowed to bounce by the Kavallieri back three, had them in all sorts of bother and Luke Debattista swooped in, got a lucky bounce and his pace took him around the defenders, to score under the posts.

With the second half underway, the Kavallieri forwards were trying to get back into the game, but it was all catch up rugby, as whenever they scored, then the Stompers backline would kick into high gear, with switches and double rounds exposing the Kavallieri’s defense.

Kavallieri scored again through a forward rush, with Cutajar going over near the posts and R Attard’s conversion putting Kavallieri within a try of the Stompers.

But immediately, Satariano scored, doubling around his inside centre, creating space, and then accelerating for the tryline. Another try followed by Mario Fountain. After a quick tap penalty, he outstripped the defense, ran down the touchline, to score in the corner. No conversion.

Kavallieri battled their way up field, running onto the ball and going through the phases, from tackle to ruck and then backline move, with finally Joe Cutajar scoring next to the posts. Roderick Attard kicked the conversion successfully.

In a final backline move, that really showed the difference between the two teams, Satariano doubled around his inside centre, to take the pass, then quickly reversed the ball back inside, to a straight running Malcolm Attard, who went through the space that the play had created, to score untouched near the posts. The conversion was successful.

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Chris Morton Malta Rugby Action Clips

2009-03-24T15:49:00.006Z

Here are some rugby clips of me from recent rugby games earlier this season.

Try vs Kav in the Qualifying round before Christmas:

Pre-season Cup vs Kav

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Stompers RFC use a "Get out of Jail Free" card - beat Overseas RFC 17 - 13

2009-03-24T14:35:00.004Z

In our second round league game in the local Malta rugby comp we played a tough Overseas RFC side.

The below article from: http://www.maltasport.com/modules/knowledge/item.php?itemid=3584

Stompers were made to work hard to beat Overseas in the MRFU Championship Pool round two match, while Kavallieri eased to victory against Birkirkara Alligators.

Stompers - Overseas 17-13
With a strong cross wind throughout the game and coupled with the fact that Mario Fountain and Matt Mirabelli were not playing, Stompers struggled to get their running game going, until really late in the proceedings.

Morton was playing at fullback, so his skills were missed in the line, and with Mario Fountain serving a suspension, there was no one running from depth into the backline and so the Stomper's play was a stop start affair.

Overseas were out to make amends. They had gone close in the two previous games against the Stompers; drawing one and losing by one point in the other.

The spirit of the Overseas play and their defence, shut the Stompers down from their running game and a lively combination between young Vince Stivala and the eternally young Sean Duffy, had the Overseas backline buzzing.

Richard Newbold, back from injury made some fine breaks and put in one particularly good defensive tackle to take out Malcolm Attard, just short of the line. Eight points, to nil at half time, they had pretty well controlled matters with strong running and tackling.

The usually threatening Stompers backs were well harnessed and even the mercurial Satariano was stifled to the point that his half back partnership with Galea was disjointed.

The Overseas pack won the loose ball battles and it really looked as if they had the match under control.

They took the game out to 13 nil; with a well placed penalty kick by Vince Stivala, and two magnificent tries by Dean Mifsud Bonnici and Brian Dalton.

In the second half, Stompers started their comeback as they pulled back a try by Luke Debattista. They moved into a higher gear and Satariano began to create half breaks with his swerving changes of pace to give runners like Attard the opportunities to test the tacklers again and again. Diamantino went on for Stompers and this gave them some extra authority.

Eight minutes left to the final whistle, Overseas just evaporated under pressure and first Schembri Warren was yellow - carded for dissent, and then a couple of minutes later, their Captain was sin-binned for misconduct.

With seconds to go, it looked like Overseas had secured the win, but the real drama was saved for the last play of the game when Overseas won the ball from the scrum and it came back to their scrum - half who had to just run it into touch to win the game.

However, he decided to play the ball wide, and Stompers won the ball from the ensuing breakdown. Chris Morton went over to score the winning try, followed by a successful conversion.

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My favorite Dance hits for the Maltese Summer of 2008

2008-11-19T12:28:00.003Z

Ok, after much speculation of what music I like to listen to when getting my dance on at the hottest clubs in Malta, I took the time to compile this play list via youtube.com.

You will find these dance hits played at Paceville hot spots like Club 22, Shadow Lounge and Club H.

Malta Rugby - Preseason Cup

2008-11-12T09:48:00.006Z

My first game of the new 2008/09 national Malta rugby season was last weekend with out first game being the Preseason "Ray Elliot" Cup vs Kavallieri.

I think our team played strong in parts however this being the Stompers very first game we were rusty in patches of the game which showed in making simple mistakes and turnovers.

We didn't win... losing 22 - 17.

Here is the local sports write up of the game:

Kavallieri Megaman Cisk Excel started the new rugby season on a high when they clinched the Ray Elliott Cup after a 22-17 win over Stompers TGI Friday.

The rugby season opened at Marsa with a bang as a host of matches were played on the two pitches now available to this swiftly expanding sport, before several hundred spectators.

Traditionally the main match on the first day of the season is between the two top teams of the previous season in which champions Kavallieri started as strong favourites.

However, despite a big growth in playing membership and a comprehensive pre-season training program, they were disappointing.

Had it not been for the fitness of hardened forward veterans and their current internationals they could easily have lost this to the faster Stompers backline.

The Kavallieri backs were slow in thinking and action, with the only real penetration coming from Micalef and Doublesin.

By contrast Stompers enjoyed a selection of speedsters who were always dangerous, and in the first half showed that a number of their younger forwards were ready to move up into senior rugby to make a mark. However, in the end fitness was crucial and Kavallieri had the edge.

Scoring was opened when Morton ripped open the Kavallieri backs to put M. Attard in for an unconverted try for Stompers.

After further pressure by Stompers the ever dangerous Debattista broke well on the blind side but his scoring pass inside was dropped in the touch down so wasted. M. Attard also missed a short-range penalty to waste further points.

Kavallieri Schembri earned a yellow card for an illegal trip on Mirabelli, but Stompers lost the initiative with a series of errors and gave away ground until a stupid penalty allowed Kavallieri to kick touch close to the line and from there it was almost inevitable that their superb lineout maul drill would lead to a score.

Sure enough, Borda burrowed over out of the maul converted to grab the lead, against the run of play.

The second half began with a more focused Kavallieri exerting the traditional forward grind on their less fit opponents, and after Stomper errors gave away many meters of ground they played a brilliant switch lineout which wrecked the defence for Grima to score.

Rob Bonavia made a great 40 metre run, well supported by his fellows deep into Stompers half but they then broke out to win quick ball for Morton to slice through for another fine try to bring Stompers right back.

More Kavallieri forward pressure including a big run by D. Borg, setting up close range attacks, and Doublesin scored for Kavallieri , thanks to a perfect handoff which flattened a tackler.

As the Stompers tired against the grinding Kavallieri spent more time pounding their line, but suddenly the fast backs broke away and only a brilliant cover tackle by Mike Bonavia stopped a try.

Another burst by Rob Bonavia made a second try for Grima to stretch the lead but Stompers hit back with the best try of the match by Debattista, converted by Attard, but it was too little too late and Kavallieri took the Ray Elliott Cup.

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Guinness Premiership Tips (Round 6)

2008-10-21T10:44:00.006Z

Here are my tips for Round 6 rugby action in the Guinness Premiership...

Friday 14th November 2008

Sale Sharks (3) V Worcester Warriors (11)

Friday nights game between third placed Sale Sharks and eleventh placed Worcester Warriors looks like to be one way traffic with top of the table Sharks looking to take another bite in their intentions to win this years Premiership.

Bottom of the table Warriors will have to be weary of the likes of New Zealand born Luke Mcalister who is in career best form for his UK based club.

The Warriors new recruit from the QLD Reds in Australia, Chris Latham, will look to turn the tide of recent results as Worcester is coming close to winning but resulting in narrow defeats in their last few outings.

My tip is Sale Sharks by 12 points.

Predicted Score: Sale Sharks 24 - Worcester Warriors 12

Sportsbook Odds: Outright Winner

Moscow, Russia

2008-07-28T09:49:00.002Z

In front of a Kremlin Tower.

In the Red Square with the Kremlin wall to my left and St. Basil Church in the background.

In front of St. Basil.

St. Petersburg, Russia

2008-07-28T09:44:00.002Z

Outside the entrance to the Hermitage main square.

A squirrel in the Peterhof Garden.

The Peterhof Garden in St. Petersburg. Lots and lots of fountains.

Stompers TGI Fridays vs Overseas 20-10

2008-04-14T09:48:00.004Z

The last game against Overseas we won 20-10. Winning this game qualified us to play against Kavalleri in the Cup Final.

Game Report:
This was a match that Stompers were fortunate to win and was marred by inexperienced refereeing. The rucks were badly controlled, Stompers were almost permanently offside, and lay about in obstructive positions and several nasty high tackles were left unpenalised.

However, Overseas really should have won, they enjoyed a big territorial advantage, and did not take penalty kicks at goal, so wasting some 16 potential points.

After fifteen minutes of Overseas pressure, centre Christopher Morten intercepted for Stompers to run 75 metres for a try converted by left winger Jovan Relic.

Overseas went back into attack but could not find their way through, actually choosing not to take penalties for the points. A big factor was that Stompers were allowed to mark from an offside position.

Stompers gained ground with big kicks and Jovan Reljic showed Overseas the way by kicking a penalty for Stompers. Stompers Mario Fountain was having a fine game at full back, as was Andrew O’Reilly for Overseas.

When Stompers were able to release their backs, Christopher Morten was always dangerous, at one time beating six tacklers.

Stompers scrum half Edward Willis was yellow carded for a nasty high tackle, and the half ended at 10 – 0 to Stompers.

Stompers began with a superb run by Mario Fountain, weaving and swerving from way deep until finally stopped just short but veteran Christoffel Diamantino was at hand to drive in for the try.

Despite several Stompers high tackles going unpunished, scrum half David Judd of Overseas was yellow carded, to be followed by eight lock Keith Zammit of Stompers.

Left-winger Dean Mifsud Bonnici of Overseas is improving enormously and made two fine tackles on the right winger Luke Debattista and Mario Fountain.

In a rare Stompers attack, Christopher Morten showed a lovely change of pace and angle to run in a fine try, but Overseas powered back for the tight head prop Neil West to drive over.

Stompers Christoffel Diamantino was finally yellow carded for persistent infringing, and Overseas surged hard to camp in Stompers territory.

West scored a second try from a maul but it was all too late and lucky Stompers will play Kavallieri in the MRFU Cup Final on Saturday, April 26.

Article: Malta Sport

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Malta Rugby - Stompers RFC go close but lose to Kavallieri

2008-02-15T15:21:00.006Z

The rugby game last Saturday at Marsa sports ground was a real cracker. It was a great game to play in and from the general feedback also a great game to watch.

Our captain and usual number 10 is abroad so I have been filling in the position which I have found enjoyable.

Playing number 10 you are 100% involved in the game and have a big influence on how the team fairs on the day. You get you hands on the ball more times than any other player outside the fly half and also have a heavy work load in defence.

One funny side note is I think a team mate of mine submitted my name on the score sheet as "Christopher Morten" which is in-correct with "Morton" being my last name.

Morten is a very common or popular name in Nordic Europe so somehow my nationality is now Norwegian as it was printed in the local newspaper, "Christopher Morten the Norwegian fly-half". lol

Anyways here is the official game report as published by MaltaSport.com

Stompers TGI Fridays 29
Kavallieri York Cisk Excel 31
(Half-time: 12 – 19)

These two teams put on the finest rugby this season, a ding-dong battle which swept from end to end with a fascinating display of skills and enthusiasm. First one had the advantage then the other, with the drama lasting right up to the final whistle.

Pundits had forecast an easy Kavallieri win with Stompers missing so many established stars, but the replacements rose to the occasion when right wing Luke Debattista made a powerful run and fly half Christopher Morten took the opportunity to score under the posts, converted by center Mario Fountain.

Kavallieri responded with their traditional line out pressures but Stompers defended well until loose head prop Ian Borda burst through from short range, converted by fly half Roderick Attard.

Stompers hit back with a Jovan Reljic try after good timed passing gave him the space, but again Kavallieri Robert Bonavia and Pierre Mangion rolled back the pack and Pierre Micallef ran well from full back to score.

This inspired Kavallieri to really put on the pressure and after a long period of territorial advantage and well switched attacks Sean Doublesin went in with a big overlap, converted by Roderick Attard to give them a 19-12 lead at half time.

Stompers came out with great determination, attacking with gusto from side to side, until Mario Fountain scored wide.

This was followed by Guilaume Boulais bursting well from full back to chip over Pierre Micallef and Matthew Mirabelli following up fast for the try to regain the lead. Spirits up they gained ground and good passing gave Andrew Camilleri the chance to weave through and stretch the lead.

But Kavallieri never die easily and they had taken a lot of the energy out of Stompers so now they gained territory against a tiring side and Robert Bonavia scored a fine number 8 try off the back of a scrum.

Only five points in it and all to play for, Stompers attacked but Kavallieri won a vital ball and finely timed passing gave the elusive and speedy Andrea Camilleri a chance to run away to score under the posts, Roderick Attard converting for the winning lead.

Stompers attacked, Kavallieri Ivo Agius was yellow carded, but Kavallieri desperate defence held out. In a game of heroes, number 8 John Tonna of Stompers was adjudged Man of the Match.

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My holiday pics from an exotic island called Australia

2008-01-07T19:11:00.001Z

Well I went home for Christmas and New Years to my place of birth, Brisbane, Australia. I spent most of my time though on the Sunshine Coast where my parents live at Moffat Beach, Caloundra.

I got to catch-up with family and friends and buy alot of Australian clothes and DVDS that you just can't get anywhere else in the world.

I was also hanging for a surf and lucky to get a few waves as the surf pumped over XMAS to NY with a huge low pressure system of the QLD coast pumping in 2 -3 metre waves.

Here are some choice/grouse/awesome/super pics from back in OZ! (The lucky country)

I spent a weekend in Sydney and Cronulla, here is a pic of the famous Harbour Bridge from Circular Quay.

Mooloolaba Beach was pumping as a low pressure system formed of the QLD coast. It resulted in rainy and windy weather for the last 10 days of my time on the Coast but at least the waves were good. Most beaches were closed as the waves were to big and wild to ride.

Another cracking right pealing away at Mooloolaba!

My new tattoo sleeve! Is it real or a fake?

My first day back in Oz and up the coast at Moffat Beach. The weather was perfect and here is the view from Moffat Beach park looking towards the Moffat Point break. Small waves today, but nice and glassy and good for the mal riders.

My Newmarket house hosted the annual XMAS CPT $50 buy-in event. The tournament drew 20 players which made for a juicy prize pool. I busted mid-field but I was hungover and that is my excuse for not grinding to the finish. I had to bust so I get to the Sunday Session at the Normanby!

The famous Bondi Beach in Sydney! The is the first time I got to check out the tourist beach and strip, real Australia'na here.

Fore - A quick game at a local par 3 course on the Sunny Coast...

So now i'm back in Malta amped to travel to more places in Europe.

On the cards is:

- Scandinavia (Denmark, Finland and Sweden)
- Egypt ( Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx!)
- Turkey (ANZAC dawn service, Budapest)
- Greece (Athens)
- Pamplona (Running of the Bulls in Spain)
- Skiing (Andorra or Austrian Slopes)

I might not get to do them all this year but I hope I do. ciao ciao

Chris Morton gets a start in Sportiv Malta

2007-11-28T15:12:00.000Z

A local sports magazine here in Malta, Sportiv Malta, recently ran a feature on the local rugby scene featuring the start of the new season.

What can I say? They decided to include a handsome Australian player (yes me) in one of the photo spreads busting though a tackle.

For more about rugby in Malta go to:

MaltaRugby.com - The official Rugby site for Malta
Stompers Rugby - My local team and 2005 & 2006 Cisk league champions
Malta Sport - Includes updates and reports of the Rugby matches

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker

2007-10-09T09:55:00.000Z

I have registered to play in the PokerStars World Blogger Championship of Online Poker!

This Online Poker Tournament is a No Limit Texas Holdem event exclusive to Bloggers.

Registration code: 6073191

Roma, Italia - September 2007

2007-09-29T11:49:00.000Z

A few pics from my short trip to Roma.

The Pantheon.

The Spanish Steps.

The Trevi Fountain.

The Colosseum.

Last Season Memories, Stompers to win again '07/'08

2007-08-13T15:14:00.000Z

Casino.dk Visits the Dragonara Casino, St. Julians, Malta

2007-08-06T20:13:00.000Z

Casino.dk work Social time and we deceided to vist our local casino, The Dragonara. Our resident higher roller simply known as the "Diamond" gambled in style and looked fantastic in his tuxedo.

First the Diamond started the night winning on roulette to build his bankroll and mix it against American pro and now Malta resident Ron Rose in $2/$4 pot limit texas holdem poker.

Then we all headed into Paceville and to the usual spot, Bar Native. Pics below.

Malta Rugby Awards after party at the Alley

2007-07-26T14:31:00.001Z

A few photos taken at the Alley which was the host for the Malta Rugby awards after party.

A few of the boys and friends...

I don't remember this photo being taken...

Friday swim somewhere south-west on the Island

2007-07-25T20:27:00.000Z

The local bar...

Roy the Norwegian, Soren the Dane and Mort the Aussie (in Malta)

The spot...

Booze at the right Price in San Marino

2007-06-18T18:31:00.000Z

Gotta love Europe, Absinthe is sold everywhere and in most corner stores. Here I point out to Matty that this is indeed a store where you can buy Absinthe.

Praha May 2007, Česká republika

2007-05-22T20:21:00.000Z

Chris in Praha

Last weekend I got to check out the Česká Republika or Czech Republic city of Prague and another town 2 hours south called Brno.

The weather was amazing the whole time with blue skys and high mid-20s temp.

It was good to catchup with a few Czech friends I met in Malta.

Chris and Nikol

We checked out a cool club called Duplex in the main street in Prague Friday night, then Saturday checked out the main sights in the center of Prague.

Saturday Night we went to a friends party in a town called Brno which was fun, not much English was being spoken and I don't think to many Aussies venture to this part of the world.

A great weekend and you can check the all the photos here.

Mafia Mort and CasinoCity

2007-05-22T20:09:00.000Z

I just came across this picture from the CAC Amsterdam photo gallery of Matt and Jeff from CasinoCity.com and myself.

I got a few comments about my mafia looking suit, heh.

I think it worked, I gave Matt and Jeff an offer they could not refuse!

No, they are good guys and have done an excellent upgrade of their portal.

CAC2007, Amsterdam in Holland

2007-05-22T19:56:00.000Z

I was pretty slack with the photos on a recent trip to Amsterdam, I only took this photo above of the hotels across the road from my hotel.

I was lucky enough to attend the Casino Affiliate Conference at the NH Grand Krasnapolsky Hotel which is the main Dam square.

Sicily trip from Malta

2007-04-09T21:39:00.000Z

I went a day trip to Sicily via the VirtuFerries Catamaran's which go between Malta and Sicily daily.

The trip was on a local bus tour which had 2 major stops:

- Taormina
- Mt. Etna

Once we arrived in Pozzallo where the Ferry drops us off, we jumped on a bus and headed through the country side to Taormina.

Toarmina is a hillside town north east or Catania and Mt. Etna. While I was there I checked out a greek theatre, Teatro Antico, built in B.C.

Then I checked more of the town, the views were amazing from every stand-point over looking the Mediterranean Sea.

It was Easter Sunday so alot of the shops were closed but I picked up some fake Dolce & Gabbana belts from a street seller.

After lunch we jumped back on the bus and headed up to Mt. Etna. The volcano is the biggest and most active volcano in Europe and it's last lava flow was in the 90's. On the way we saw lots of past houses wiped out from the recent lava flows.

We stopped at 2000m above sea level and to my amazement there was snow everywhere and very cold. Back at sea level it was a nice 20 degrees day but high up it cooled very quickly. The volcano is pretty awesome and apparently you can ski here when there is good snow.

Arrivederci!

Stompers Gallery

2007-04-02T14:28:00.000Z

I made a Stompers album with pictures from the rugby games.