A Malta team which showed signs of improvement in their penultimate U-19 European Championship match against the strong Slovakia, went better when yesterday they defeated Great Britain with something to spare.
Their reward was a fifth place which fulfilled the expectations of coach Anthony Farrugia. Apart from some mistakes in previous matches against opponents who are a cut above our team, the Maltese lads have thus ended their commitments in the qualifying tournament with a flourish.
Yesterday’s vigour and intent were positive signs that waterpolo in Malta has a bright future knowing that the ASA are eager to build on these grassroots.
Goalkeeper and captain Niki Grixti was splendid, again pulling off excellent saves.
All the others without exception performed admirably. Ben Plumpton, the youngest player in the team and scorer of five goals overall behind chief goal-getter Kai Dowling, was also outstanding.
The visitors started in brisker fashion, but once the Maltese forged 5-4 ahead midway in the second session, they never looked back, even if they were briefly caught up towards the end of the third quarter.
It was highly physical throughout and the spate of expulsions for both teams, including two penalties for each side, resulted in definite exclusions of five influential players, three of whom were Maltese.
However, the hosts ended on top note to win the last part of the game convincingly for a deserved victory. They did so despite, unfortunately, having less vociferous support from the stands.
Great Britain 8
Malta 11
(4-3, 1-3, 2-1, 1-4)
Great Britain: D. Green, S. Sharpe 1, A. Winstanley, G. Alberici, D. Thompson 2, J. Elliot 2, R. Padbury, A. Castle, J. Williams, J. Salt 3, W. Rayson, T. Hadley, J. Simcox.
Malta: N. Grixti, M. Lanzon 1, A. Galea 3, S. Xerri De Caro 1, K. Dowling 2, K. Mock, P. Paris, M. Mifsud, B. Plumpton 2, M. Cacici 1, K. Galea, N. Bugelli 1, S. Galea Pace.
Referees: B. Radonjic, C. Gokhan.
Other results
Semi-finals: Ukraine vs Greece 4-13; Slovakia vs Romania 5-6.
Playing today
10.00 3/4th place: Ukraine vs Slovakia. 11.15 final: Greece vs Romania.