Aquilina runner-up in Warilla

Maltese-Australian Brendan Aquilina, who only joined the Malta Lawn Bowls Association last year, finished in second place at the 2010 Lawn Bowls Juniors World Cup which came to a close in Australia yesterday.

Team administrator Alan Gauci and coach Troy Somerville were never in doubt that Aquilina, 22, will achieve good things when they selected him. His track record at his first World Cup attempt has been very consistent and impressive.

Somerville also took the opportunity of the World Cup atmosphere to talk with other delegates with the aim in mind of organising a few matches against various nations in preparation for the Commonwealth Games in October.

Aquilina went on to beat the players from Australia, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, India, Japan, Singapore, Brunei, Honk Kong China, Cook Islands and United Arab Emirates. His only defeat was by one set against New Zealand's Andrew Kelly, the champion.

Statistically, Aquilina held his head high against the might of two great sporting nations, Australia and New Zealand.

Set differences: Malta 22, New Zealand 21, Australia 17.

Shots in favour: Malta 276, Australia 266, New Zealand 253.

Games won: New Zealand 12, Malta 11, Australia 9.

Games lost: New Zealand nil, Malta 1, Australia 3.

Final standings: 1. N. Zealand 24 points; 2. Malta 22; 3. Australia 18; 4. Malaysia 18; 5. South Africa 14; 6. Japan 12; 7. Hong Kong China 12; 8. India 10; 9. Brunei 10; 10. Canada 6; 11. Cook Islands 6; 12. Singapore 4; 13. UAE nil.