National team leaves good impression in Antwerp

The Maltese national team left a very good impression in its first ever showing in the European Championship qualifiers which were played in Antwerp, Belgium, earlier this month.

Team Malta showed steady progress during the competition, held in constant rain and bad weather, forcing organisers to reschedule some matches.

Coach Ray Bartolo, whose options were limited in the line-up and pitching staff due to a short squad of only 12 players, led the side against stronger nations Belgium, Austria and Switzerland.

Belgium won the tournament and qualified for the 2010 European Championships which will be played in Germany. Last year's edition was won by Holland.

In Antwerp, Malta's best performance was during the decider for third place against the Swiss, having young Michael Bartolo on the mound. The team only collapsed during the eighth inning, allowing their opponents to hit four runs for a 12-6 score.

At the end of the tournament, the Maltese team was awarded the Sportsmanship Trophy. The side was led by veteran catcher Keith Bartolo. His 6-for-12 performance was the second best in the qualifiers. He was also among the tournament's leaders in other offensive categories.

Outfielder Clint Grima also took home a deserved trophy, after leading the tournament in stolen bases.

Malta's young talent should definitely blossom after this experience as the major part of the players in the team is still coming up and under the age of 25.