Rampant Malta crush Latvia

Malta were in rampant form yesterday as they crushed Latvia 28-0 in a European Nations Cup qualifier in Riga.

The Maltese team went into the match determined to take all spoils against a Latvian side who are also fighting to retain their status in the division.

On the day, Damien Neill’s men proved too strong for the Baltic outfit as they outplayed their opponents who found it hard to cope with the speed of the Malta players.

The win was sweet revenge for Malta who lost 33-26 to Latvia at the Hibs Stadium last year.

Malta have now moved third in the Division 2A standings with eight points from five matches, just three behind second-placed Lithuania who will be our team’s opponents at Corradino next Saturday. Sweden lead the group with 18 points.

“It was a great team performance,” Malta coach Neill told The Sunday Times from Riga.

“Throughout the week, all the players in the group worked really hard to arrive for the match in top shape and their efforts have been rewarded with a five-star display.

“We were dangerous every time we attacked our opponents and I was particularly pleased at the way we managed to score the fourth try which gives us a vital bonus point that will certainly be massive in the race to retain our status.”

James O’Brien gave Malta a headstart when he scored from a penalty early on before Harry Collins touched home the first try of the match to give Malta an 8-0 lead. The Latvians tried to regroup but it was Malta who struck again before the half-time whistle when Rob Holloway drove over the try line for a 13-0 lead.

After the break, Malta quickly regained the initiative and their pressure produced a third try scored by James Kirk with O’Brien scoring the conversion to stretch their lead to 20-0.

O’Brien capped an inspirational display when he scored a penalty before sealing a triumphant day for Malta with a late try.