Chris Morton

My favorite Dance hits for the Maltese Summer of 2008

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:28:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:48:00 +0000

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.

Guinness Premiership Tips (Round 6)

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 10:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:44:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:48:00 +0000

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

Malta Rugby - Stompers RFC go close but lose to Kavallieri

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:21:00 +0000

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.

My holiday pics from an exotic island called Australia

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:11:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 15:12:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 09:55:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 11:49:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 15:14:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 20:13:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 14:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:27:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 18 Jun 2007 18:31:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:21:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Tue, 22 May 2007 20:09:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Tue, 22 May 2007 19:56:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 09 Apr 2007 21:39:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 14:28:00 +0000

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

Stompers stave off valid challenge

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Fri, 23 Mar 2007 12:29:00 +0000

We made the local paper, you can just see me, white boots on the left. The article...

Kavallieri Blue Label 13
Stompers TGI Fridays 18

This match, watched by a bumper crowd at Marsa, was a clash between the two titans of local rugby - Kavallieri and Stompers.

Before kick-off, both stood neck and neck in the league standings and both looked hungry for all points that would give the eventual winners an edge over their rivals.

The game opened with Kavallieri's R. Attard scoring two successive penalties for an early lead. Stompers dug deep and M. Attard put points on the board by also scoring a penalty.

This kept Stompers in the game and snapping closely at Kavallieri's heels.

As rain began to fall, both teams fought hard for a try. It was A. Camilleri who emerged from the muddy melee to score one for Stompers. They snatched the lead at the end of the first half.

Stompers, riding on the wave of their last score, opened the second half with a try by M. Fountain, giving them a seven-point lead.

But Kavallieri counter-attacked ferociously and R. Bonavia scored a crucial try for his team. R. Attard kicked the conversion and the scores became level at 13 points each.

As the game hung in the balance, tension began to build. M. Fountain broke the deadlock with a try for Stompers that sent the team's supporters wild with joy. Kavallieri refused to go down without a fight and piled on the pressure.

Despite an effort from Kavallieri in the closing minutes of the game, Stompers reigned supreme.

Referee: Steven Busuttil.

Malta Rugby - Stompers photo

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 19 Mar 2007 16:09:00 +0000

I was checking out my rugby team's website, Stompers Rugby and noticed they updated their photo gallery and saw a photo of me congratulating Tony on a try. Go Stompers!

Balluta Bay - March 2007

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 21:47:00 +0000

Some pics of Balluta Bay. Balluta Bay is another bay in between St. Julians and Sliema. It has some nice views of the water plus some good restuarants.

Sliema - March 2007

noreply@blogger.com (chris) — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 21:38:00 +0000

I qualified as a Recreational Open Water Diver a few weekends ago. This means I can dive up to 18 metres anywhere in the world. The course took place at Sliema which is about 20 min walk from St. Julians. So when the water warms up It will be great to check some diving spots around Malta. Some pics of Sliema Bay looking towards Valletta...