O'Brien inspires Malta to victory

The Malta rugby national team ensured their status in Division2A for another two seasons after a stunning 22-14 victory over Sweden at a packed Hibs Stadium this afternoon.

James O'Brien turned out to be the catalyst behind Malta's victory as the Waterloo winger scored a match-winning 17 point-haul that earned the hosts a famous victory that lifts them to second in Division 2A.

Malta started the match brightly and after O'Brien put Malta ahead from a penalty, the hosts struck their first try of the match through a surging run from Oliver Sacco that put the hosts 8-0 ahead.

The Swedes fought back and midway through the first half they reduced the deficit when Thomas Arvidson scored a try after a quick move and Robin Fransson scored the conversion.

Early in the second half Malta lost Joss Howlands who was red-carded but still managed to extend their lead to 17-7 through three successive penalties scored by O'Brien.

The Swedes refused to give up and they scored a second try through Jacobus Van Niekerk which was converted by Fransson to reduce the gap to 17-14.However, the Maltese's fighting qualities again came to the fore and O'Brien dashed through for a vital late try that earned the hosts a stunning victory.