Solid Malta beat Greeks

Malta 10
CN Chania 9
(1-2, 5-2, 3-2, 1-3)

There were smiling faces in the Maltese clan yesterday as the national team, down to its first real test of the 2008 Comen Cup, summoned all their powers to edge past CN Chania, of Greece.

The result meant that the Maltese will now avoid the strong Italian team Rari Nantes Sori for a place in tomorrow's final.

Playing an efficient rotating game, the Maltese looked lively bar in the opening part of the game when they twice trailed by two goals.

Malta took some time to settle down but they managed to overturn their initial deficit to change ends 6-4 ahead. The momentum was maintained and the hosts started the last quarter 9-6 in the lead.

A missed open chance proved costly and Chania reduced the deficit to 9-7. The Greeks closed in on 10-9 with just under two minutes left. A missed man-up for the visitors brought relief to the Maltese after which it was Malta's turn to mess up an extra man opportunity. That was of no consequence.

Malta will now face Great Britain today at 4 p.m.in a match which should attract a sizeable crowd at the National Pool. After all, the Maltese deserve massive support.

Other results

Switzerland vs Cyprus 10-7
(0-1, 2-2, 2-1, 5-3)

RN Sori vs Great Britain 20-4
(3-1, 6-2, 6-0, 5-1)

Standings

Group A: Malta 6; CN Chania 4; Switzerland 2; Cyprus 0. Group B: RN Sori 4; Great Britain 2; Douai 0.

Malta
J. Cachia, N. Lanzon 3, E. Aquilina, P. Privitera, M. Meli, J. Soler 3, J. Borg, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono, J. Valletta 2, A. Grech, M. Stellini 2, M. Pisani.

CN Chania
D. Lagonikakis, N. Zoufal, D. Dermitzakis, V. Vamvounakis 2, M. Vucisevic 2, N. Batakis, T. Tsakirakis, A. Papadeas, A. Charitakis, M. Viziyrakis 3, I. Avgoustianakis 2, N. Koulierakis, E. Leyentacis.

Referees: D. Alban (France), I. Dorin (Switzerland).