FIRA Championship D2 _ Malta 21 - 14 Croatia

April 30, 2011

In a superb performance, Malta recorded a famous victory against a much stronger Croatian side to emphasise the resurgence of the local team in rugby and also gain some precious points in our qualifying group. Malta 21 Croatia 14

The much anticipated clash between Malta and Croatia at the Hibs Stadium got off to a stirring start with a beautiful rendition of the Maltese national anthem by Vanessa Camenzuli.

The opening minutes were affected by the strong southwest wind with the burly Croatians taking advantage of their physical superiority.  However the locals showed great courage also winning a series of scrums and penalties countering the power of the Croation forwards.

On 17 minutes, Robert Holloway managed to penetrate in the 20 metre area and won a penalty which was easily converted by O’Brien for a 3-0 advantage. On 25 minutes, Malta won another penalty just outside the 20 metre zone but the wind took hold of O’ Brien’s kick which ended up wide. The locals continued playing very well and on the half hour had a sustained period of possession with Holloway ending up just a few metres away from the touchline but eventually losing possession.

The pressure paid off as on 35 minutes, Malta managed to score the first try of the game through Watts who buried his way past the Croatian defence. Unfortunately O’Brien missed the conversion for another two points but the lead was healthy enough at that stage. However Malta immediately paid for a slack error from the line out with the Croatians scoring a try and conversion on 37 minutes to make it 8-7 at half time.

Malta started the second half like a house on fire and on 43 minutes O’Brien weaved his way through the Criatian defence but he just missed the try as a Croatian player cleared the ball in the final second. But after a period of Croatian pressure, Matthew Camilleri managed to penetrate to score Malta’s second try on 51 minutes to put the local six points ahead with O’Brien converting the spot kick to make it 15-7.

Malta continued to provide strength in the pack and their rucking was also excellent taking the physically stronger Croatians by surprise. On 63 minutes, Malta won another penalty inside the 20 metre area with O’Brien converting clinically to take Malta 18-7 up. On 73 minutes, Malta sewed up the win with another immaculately converted penalty by O’Brien to take his tally to 11 points

Kirk was unlucky to end up in the sin bin and seconds later Croatia managed their second try of the day with a conversion also duly put away to make it 21-13 in the final three minutes. However the local boys saw out the final seconds with ease to record a truly famous victory.

Malta:  Malta: K. Mason, H. Collins, A. Livesey, L. Watts, C. Cassar, J. Howland; P. Calgaro, C. Sammut, T. Holloway, R. Holloway, O. Sacco, D. Busuttil, J. Kirk, M. Camilleri, J. O’Brien.

Coach: Damian Neill

Scorers: Watts (5), Camilleri (5) O’ Brien (11)

Yellow card: J Kirk

Referee: F Malagath (Portugal)