Poland ease past Malta to go top

Poland 36
Malta 3

Poland went on top of European Division 2B after a convincing victory over Malta in Sielce yesterday.

It was a dominant display from the Poles who maintained their 100 per cent record in the group and are now two points clear of second-placed Latvia after each team has played four matches.

With losing sides earning a point in rugby competitions, Malta have now joined Croatia and Andorra on the six-point mark and more importantly are still on course to avoid the drop with a good run in the second round of matches which will be played next season.

Poland dominated possession throughout the first half with the Maltese defending well in their bid to keep out their strong opponents.

The hosts scored the first points of the match from a penalty but the Maltese soon soon responded when Ryan Borg converted another penalty to level the scores - 3-3.

Poland soon regained the initiative and struck two quick tries and a conversion to go into the break 15-3 ahead.

On the resumption, Malta adopted a more attacking approach. However, any hopes of a recovery were ended when Poland scored three tries, which were all converted to seal their victory.

Malta: K. Mason, M. McArdle, T, Webb, L. Watts, S. Zarb, D. St George, S. Kempster, G. Kennedy, J. Dimond, T. Watts, J. Finlason, D. Busuttil, O. Sacco. L. Culnane, R. Borg 3.

Standings: (after four matches) Poland 12 points (diff: +104); Latvia 10 (+20); Croatia (-10), Andorra (-55), Malta 6 (-59).