Malta threw away a commanding first-half lead to crash to a 33-26 defeat to Latvia in a FIRA/AER Division 2A qualifier at the Hibs Stadium yesterday.
It was a disappointing outcome to a match which saw the Maltese holding the edge over their opponents for much of the first half, scoring three successive tries for a 19-6 lead at the interval.
However, the tide changed completely as the second half got underway as the solid Latvians stepped up their game with the hosts losing ground after seeing key personnel going out through injury.
Man-of-the-match James O’Brien had an outstanding display but the visitors laughed last as they scored a last-minute try to condemn Damien Neill’s team to a second successive defeat.
Neill had received a double boost before kick-off as Tom Holloway was declared fit to play after recovering from a strained hamstring and Daryl Psaila also shrugged off an ankle knock picked up in the 6-9 upset to Lithuania a week ago.
Malta started in scintillating form and in the opening 10 minutes had two good changes to take the lead when awarded two successive penalties. However, O’Brien failed to hit the target from closed angles.
Malta’s pressure paid off on 15 minutes though. In a slick move, Robert Holloway passed the ball towards O’Brien who quickly released Matthew Camilleri and the Stompers player dashed home on the wing for a deserved try. This time, O’Brien made no mistake from the conversion kick – 7-0.
Two minutes later Robert Holloway stole possession and raced clear before teeing up Malcolm Attard who scored underneath the posts. O’Brien, again, was successful from the conversion to extend Malta’s lead to 14-0.
Latvia managed their first points on 24 minutes when winning a central penalty that was converted by Krsitaps Berzins.
But that was just a temporary reprieve for the visitors as a minute later Robert Holloway orchestrated another devastating attacking move that finished with O’Brien sprinting past two opponents for Malta’s third try.
This time, the Waterloo player missed the conversion – 19-3.
Up to that juncture, Latvia’s only threat only came from set-piece situations. In fact, four minutes from the break they were again on the scoresheet from another penalty that was converted by Berzins.
Malta’s Mark Davey was sin-binned after committing a foul in a scrum and at the start of the second half Neill was forced to effect his first change when the reliable Kyle Mason limped out injured. He was replaced by Daniel Holliday who was making his first appearance for the national team.
Latvia were beaten by Malta last April and this time they came prepared not to suffer the same fate. Their second-half showing was almost impeccable and Malta started to crack under the pressure.
Some poor home defending just outside the goalline earned Latvia their first try, scored by Maris Ceksters. Berzins failed the conversion.
Davey’s reintroduction lasted only a few minutes as the Blackheath tight head prop limped out injured.
Meanwhile, Latvia continued to show the better qualities and on 51 minutes scored from another penalty, taken by Berzins – 19-14.
Neill’s men were clearly struggling by now and the Latvians drew level on 57 minutes when O’Brien’s poor clearance was intercepted and Reinis Pepa powered his way through for the visitors’ second try – 19-19.
O’Brien gave Malta some hope when he scored a try on the wing, following a perfect Dominic Busuttil service, before hitting the jackpot from the conversion to put the hosts 26-19 ahead.
However, the burly Latvians never stopped posing problems to our defence with their strong physical play and 10 minutes from time it was no surprise when they restored the equilibrium.
They again pushed the ball forward en masse and despite the efforts of the Malta players they still managed to score the try through Romans Odnokurcevs. Berzins successfully made the conversion to tie the score at 26-all.
Latvia were not satisfied to have drawn level again and struck at the death when profiting from another poor ball from the Maltese defence.
Aris Andersons ran through for a decisive try and Berzins, again, made no mistake from the conversion to stun the home crowd.
Aftermatch comments
Damien Neill (Malta coach): “It’s very frustrating to lose a match this way. We dominated for much of the opening 40 minutes. The team produced some excellent rugby but we failed to kill off our opponents and that proved decisive in the end.
“Unfortunately, in the second half, Latvia came back stronger. We also lost some key players and with a very limited bench it was difficult for us to make the replacements.
“Now we have to pull up our socks and work harder for the next matches. The next two qualifiers are going to be decisive. Hope-fully, by that time we’ll be able to field our strongest team.”
Malta’s next matches are against Croatia (home – April 30) and Sweden (away – May 7).
Standings: Latvia (1-0-1) 6; Sweden (1-0-0) 5; Lithuania (1-0-0) 4; Croatia (1-0-1) 4; Malta (0-0-2) 3.
Malta 26
Latvia 33
Malta: K. Mason, H. Collins, A. Livesey, D. Psaila, M. Davey, J. Howland, P. Calgaro, C. Sammut, T. Holloway, R. Holloway, A. Dixon, D. Busuttil, M. Attard 5, M. Camilleri 5, J. O’Brien 16.
Subs used: Holliday, Cassar, Borg, Borda.
Latvia: J. Skuja, E. Cirulis, A. Andersons 5, L. Bramanis, S. Podans, U. Saulite, M. Ceksters 5, A. Muzikants, R. Krumins, J. Priede, A. Andersons, R. Kotjevs, R. Pepa 5, K. Berzins 13, J. Baranovs.
Subs used: Odnokurcevs 5, Barks.
Referee: Laurent Valin (France).