Malta 10
The Netherlands 33
The Netherlands underlined their credentials as the top team in Division 2A as they sealed promotion to Division 1B in style following a commanding 33-10 win over an edgy Malta team in Corradino, yesterday.
This was an all-round impressive performance from the group leaders who chalked up their sixth win from seven matches. They outwitted their opponents in all areas of the field even though the home team tried hard to stay in the game but a series of errors and lack of consistent play in the end damaged their hopes.
This was not the national team’s day and that was highlighted with James O’Brien’s struggles with his kicking. Incredibly, he missed all his attempts against the Dutch.
The Netherlands have now moved to the 30-point mark, ten clear of Switzerland who, however, have a game in hand. Malta stay third on 14 points ahead of next weekend’s final fixture in Switzerland.
Malta coach Damien Neill was boosted with the return of Rob Holloway. The UK-based player started at right-wing as newcomers Jack Basher and Marvin Cordle were among the substitutes.
The visitors were quick to impose their game and, profiting from some hesitant defending from the Malta backline, they only took six minutes to put in their first try when Storm Carroll slid the ball through for Rob Van Der Velde who was clear to touch down.
Norbeccio Mambo converted the kick.
Gradually, Neill’s men started to get back into the picture and soon they won a penalty from 10 metres out but O’Brien missed.
However, a minute later O’Brien did well to set up Mark Davey and he embarked on a mazy run for a try. O’Brien missed the conversion.
The Netherlands always looked the more composed side on the pitch though and got another breakthrough on 25 minutes when Flories Kieft touched the ball over the line for a try.
Mambo again made no mistake to put his side 14-5 ahead.
Malta then thought they had scored a second try when James Kirk sprinted past several Dutch players but his effort was annulled for a forward pass.
There was more disappointment for the hosts as good passing from the Dutch released Huey Van Vliet who sped unimpeded for the try line. Mambo made it three conversions from three attempts.
Before half-time, Neill was forced to make his first change when Davey limped out injured and was replaced by Basher. At the break, Holland led 21-5.
There was an auspicious start for Malta as the second half got underway. In fact, with just over a minute played Toby Quarendon showed great skills to release Daniel Apsee who scored a try.
However, O’Brien continued to misfire badly from the conversion line as his kick went astray.
For a moment, it looked as though the home team were up for the fight. Another fine run by Quarendon looked promising but he dallied his action and the chance was lost.
The Dutch broke the Maltese momentum on 55 minutes. From another driving maul it was Vincent Grimbergen who touched the ball home. Mambo blasted wide this time.
Kirk and Quarendon tried to infuse fresh enthusiasm in Malta’s play with a couple of surging runs but the efficient Dutchmen were tough to break. And it was the visitors who wrapped up victory late on when substitute Amir Rademaker scored a fifth try, converted by Mambo, to complete an emphatic victory.
Malta
R. Apsee, D. Holliday, K. Mason, D. Cerketa, C. Schranz, D. Deguara, D. Apsee 5, M. Davey 5, V. Stivala, J. Morris, J. O’Brien, D. Busuttil, T. Quarendon, J. Kirk, R. Holloway.
Subs used: J. Basher, H. Collins, J. Ellul, M. Cordle.
Netherlands
F. Kieft 5, T. Illstons, A. Darlington, F. Nijenhuis, B.J. Romjin, V. Grimbergen 5, H. Van Vliet 5, J. Van Vliet, R. Roovers, S. Carroll, N. Mambo 8, M. Van Osch, R. Van der Velde 5, L. Koenen, B. Viguurs.
Subs used: D. Danen, C. Buburuzan, P. Mol, H. Fahimi, A. Rade-maker 5.
Referee: Jorge Molpeceres (Spain).
Remaining fixtures
Saturday: Netherlands vs Croatia; Switzerland vs Malta.
April 19: Croatia vs Lithuania.
April 26: Lithuania vs Switzerland.
Standings
The Netherlands (6-1-0) 30; Swit-zerland (4-1-1) 20; Malta (3-0-4) 14; Croatia (1-0-5) 7; Lithuania (1-0-5) 5.