Georgia 10
Malta 12
(3-6, 2-1, 2-3, 3-2)
Three wins out of three. Malta yesterday underlined their rising potential with a terrific 12-10 victory over Georgia to extend their 100 per cent record at the European 'B' Championsips in Lugano.
After back-to-back victories over Switzerland (6-4) and Poland (8-7), the Maltese team yesterday faced arguably their sternest test so far as they squared up to Georgia who had also collected maximum points from their opening two Group B encounters.
Bolstered by the introduction of five new players, including Reva Chomakitdze who turned out for Exiles in this year's domestic competitions, Georgia were keen to avenge their 11-5 defeat to Malta in the European 'B' qualifying tournament in May but Sergio Afric's men refused to be intimidated.
Malta laid down an early marker, ripping Georgia apart in the opening session to move 6-3 ahead. Georgia rallied in the second but were unable to bridge the gap, scoring only two goals to Malta's one.
Demonstrating excellent composure and resilience, Malta regained the upperhand in the third quarter which they won 3-2 to restore their three-goal lead over Georgia and all but seal victory.
Chomakitdze's third-session exclusion for three fouls mirrored Georgia's frustration at their inability to breach Malta's rock-solid rearguard. Malta showed cool heads in the fourth session as they ably protected their winning position despite Georgia's frantic attempts to get back in contention.
Georgia edged the final session 3-2 but Malta won the spoils with a 12-10 final win.
John Soler and Jonathan Valletta were Malta's top scorers with four goals apiece. Stevie Camilleri notched a brace and Niki Lanzon and John Brownrigg netted one each.
Contacted by The Times in Lugano, ASA treasurer Edgar Izzo hailed Malta's brilliant performance against Georgia.
"It was an excellent all-round showing by our national team," Izzo said. "Frankly, no-one expected Malta to beat Georgia after all the changes they made to their squad but we managed to pull off an incredible win.
"Our players certainly gave a very good account of themselves. We scored 12 goals but the team were also outstanding in defence.
"Sergio Afric also deserves great credit for the way he deployed the team tactically for this difficult match."
Malta, now sole leaders of Group B with a maximum nine points, meet Great Britain this afternoon.
Malta: J. Cachia, A. Borg Cole, J. Gabaretta, S. Camilleri 2, C. Debono, M. Pisani, P. Privitera, J. Valletta 4, M. Stellini, J. Soler 4, M. Meli, J. Brownrigg 1, N. Lanzon 1.
Other results: Group B - Poland vs Netherlands 7-9. Group A - Slovenia vs Denmark 19-3; Ukraine vs Turkey 4-9; Belarus vs France 7-10.
Standings: Group A - France 9 points; Slovenia, Turkey 6; Belarus, Ukraine 3; Denmark 0. Group B - , Malta 9; Netherlands, Georgia 6; Great Britain 3; Switzerland, Poland 0.