Report by Claire Morley
The Cyprus Pumas scored their highest ever win on Saturday, 90-0 against visiting side Bakirkoy.

Playing on the ground at Esentepe due to the usual home ground being unavailable, the Pumas took advantage of the wider pitch. The backs kept the ball in play at all times and passed well enabling winger Batuhan Öksüzal to score his second hat trick of the season and opposite winger Michael James two tries in the first half. A further try and three conversions took the half time score to 36-0.

Despite a valiant attempt by the Bakirkoy team, the Pumas were unstoppable in the second half, team captain Sam Butcher setting up a couple of the eight tries that ensued, seven of which were converted. Final score 90-0.
“This is the best we have played,” said head coach George Armstrong. “We kept the ball alive and we played as a team going forward and in defence.”

Yavuz Ergün was awarded man of the match for his brilliant tackling and controlling the backs from behind.
“This is an excellent score for the Pumas,” said club captain Sebastien Crebier. “However, we must give credit to Bakirkoy, they never gave up, they were worthy opponents, even when they were down two players, they kept going.”
The Pumas next game will be against a UK visiting side on Saturday March 6. They will be kicking off at noon at the usual home pitch in Alsancak. Everyone welcome, entry fee 5TL for adults, 2TL for students and free to Pumas members. Gates will open at 11.30am.

Try scorers: Batuhan Oksuzal 3, Michael James 2, Kursat Canbaz 2, Emre Taskin 1, Dinçhan Kilercioglu 1, Joseph Omer 1, Mehmet Ozan Ozmen 1, Hilmi Kocak 1, Ilkay Demirtas 1, Can Özyürük 1

Click on the thumbnails to see the bigger pictures.

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