Malta struck waterpolo gold on March 16 when they won the EU 8 Nations Tournament in Limerick, Ireland. It was their second international success overseas after their first triumph in a six-nations event in Vienna before the turn of the millennium.

It turned out to be an exceptional feat which has further consolidated our high position in the continental middle order after finishing outside the first 12-ranked nations in Europe two weeks before.

Despite not playing against the very top nations this time, the victories in Ireland with an unblemished card when facing Wales, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Ireland and again the Danes in the final, will certainly draw respect from the waterpolo fraternity in Europe.

Coach Karl Izzo and his understudy Anthony Farrugia must have been very pleased and proud after steering the team to five consecutive wins which yielded a massive 85 goals against 38 conceded.

Our players were undaunted as they managed to overcome the disadvantage of playing in what was for them a shoulder season and despite a tight programme.

Mental and physical fatigue must have crept in when Izzo’s men played Denmark in the final during which they almost threw away a 9-5 lead when conceding three goals in the fourth session.

It had been a different story when our lads beat the Danes 18-9 in an earlier group game.

Izzo said: “Despite playing five matches in 48 hours and without Steve Camilleri, our most influential player, we managed to bounce back after the bad performance against France.

“We played excellently against much-improved nations which are bigger than us in population, re-sources and facilities.

“Captain Niki Lanzon marshalled his colleagues splendidly while Matthew Zammit shone in our attack and was a constant threat to opposing teams although he was closely guarded all the time.”

Zammit was chosen as the Most Valuable Player of the tournament.

Izzo said success came as a result of a superb all-round performance by his players.

“The test in Limerick was also a useful exercise in the build-up for the upcoming Commonwealth Championship in Scotland,” the coach said.

“Mark Meli and Jordan Camilleri were as solid as a rock in defence.

“Michele Stellini was impressive with his accurate shooting, Jerome Gabarretta and John Brownrigg alternated well in the centre, while newcomer Paul Fava also proved his worth.

“The reliable Alan Borg Cole, voted the second best goalkeeper of the tournament, was instrumental with some fine saves especially in the final against Denmark.

“With all 13 players used regularly in the five matches, this was a confidence-building exercise for the team and good preparation for next month’s Commonwealth Championship.”

Izzo ended by thanking the ASA for the organisation of the contingent’s stay in Limerick, his assistant, Adrian Cachia, the goalkeepers’ coach, and physiotherapist Andrew Cole for their input.

“This success surely deserves recognition for the excellent results we have obtained,” Izzo said.

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