Sandro Farrugia’s U-18 national team produced a spirited perform-ance at Saturday’s deciding match for first place in the women’s FIBA European Championship Division C but host team Andorra won the contest 51-41.

At half-time in La Vella, the scores were level at 31-all.

Malta had won the first quarter 10-8 but in a high-scoring second session Andorra cancelled their narrow gap for the two contestants to go in for the interval on an even keel.

Andorra showed better qualities at the start of the third session and opened a 41-33 lead after a 10-2 run. Farrugia’s girls hit back and recovered some lost ground.

However, by the end of the session the home team were still enjoying a seven-point lead – 45-38.

The last quarter was tense and low in scoring terms as both teams looked shaky in attack.

Then, in the ninth minute, a three-pointer by Christina Andres gave Andorra the edge and a 10-point advantage – 51-41 – which they preserved for the gold medal.

For the Maltese team, Gaby Mifsud was the best scorer with 15 points and Maria Bonett and Martina Darmanin had eight re-bounds each.

Andres was excellent for An-dorra with 18 points from six-of-seven floor shooting helping her to seal the issue for her team, as well as securing a place in the All Tournament Team.

And, while Claudia Brunet was quiet against Malta, she still walked away with double cause to celebrate after being crowned Tournament MVP.

Mifsud was also given personal recognition by landing a place in the All Tournament Team, an accolade also bestowed upon her Malta team-mate Bonett.

Meanwhile, having previously lost every game, Wales found the perfect time to register their first success, taking bronze with a 66-39 win over Gibraltar.

Having posted an improved performance at Friday’s semi-finals, Wales secured a fine win by way of a strong second quarter and powerful finish to the game.

Welsh head coach Lee Walker scooped the Fair Play Award for a memorable final day for his team.