An experimental Malta side, replete with young faces drafted from the junior ranks, were too strong for Serie A1 team Sette Scogli who had Steve Camilleri turning out for his new Sicilian outfit after moving from RN Bogliasco.
Although shorn of no fewer than six other established units for this friendly Malta International Cup tournament, the locals had the edge after blowing their opponents apart when striking five goals without reply in the second session.
Karl Izzo’s team were mainly helped by captain Niki Lanzon and Matthew Zammit, scorers of five and three goals respectively, with Dino Zammit (2), Zach Mizzi and Christian Cluett netting the others.
The visitors twice took the lead before Malta shaded the first quarter 3-2.
Then came the decisive five-goal blitz, followed by the Sicilians’ partial recovery for a 9-6 advantage for Malta into the last session.
At one point, Malta led 12-6 before Sette Scogli made the final scoreline less gaping.
Summary
Malta 12
Sette Scogli 9
(3-2, 5-0, 1-4, 3-3)
Malta: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 5, A. Galea, M. Rizzo, K. Dowling, M. Zammit 3, C. Cluett 1, Z. Mizzi 1, B. Plumpton, A. Attard, M. Grech, D. Zammit 2, C. Mercieca.
Sette Scogli: E. Pipicelli, L. Denaro, A. Giuliano, F. Legrenzi 2, R. Puglisi 1, E. Giacoppo, S. Camilleri 4, Y. Messina, M. Toldonato 1, M. Tagliaferri, S. Morachioli, D. Galli 1, M. Cappuccio.
Refs: U. Wengenroth, S. Salina.
Other result
Ireland vs Switzerland - 4-10
Sessions: 1-2, 2-1, 1-2, 0-5
Today: 5.30pm Livorno vs Sette Scogli. 6.45pm Malta vs Ireland.