Although facing opponents not as weak as Latvia, Malta were too good for Switzerland in yesterday’s second match from the U-17 Championship qualifying group played in the morning.

Their 20-5 victory was again a bright omen after the encouraging inroads the lads have made thanks to their preparation.

The Maltese team were spearheaded by Ben Plumpton, an all-rounder of great flourishing talent who added eight more goals to the 15 he had netted the day before.

Malta U-17 displayed aggressive waterpolo, with their sense of anticipation when effecting several steals, their teamwork and improved physique showing the enhanced training methods they have undergone in recent months.

Having reduced their Swiss opponents to sparring partners in the opening quarters the coaches opted for more massive substitutions in the last sessions to win handsomely.

However, the litmus test will be on when they play Britain and Germany in their last two matches today and tomorrow.

If the modern playing concepts of effective press and flexible tactics are again on show by the Maltese, desired dividends can be achieved.

Switzerland 4
Malta 20

(1-7, 1-4, 0-6, 2-3)

Switzerland: Y. Schmuki, D. Djurdevic, Y, Dudler 2, M. Corbach 1, M. Domokos, L.M. Lindner, R. Mattoscio, V. Albers, E. Honegger 1, Y. Scala, N. Dudler, N. Krstic.

Malta: J. Tanti, D. Fenech 2, M. Manara, J. Sciberras 1, J. Abela 4, B. Plumpton 8, J. Galea, J. Gambin 2, M. Azzopardi, D. Zammit 2, K. Navarro 1, L. Calleja, F. Buhagiar.

Referees: S. Achiadotis, I. Sanadze.

Other results

Latvia 0
Great Britain 53

(0-15, 0-13, 0-11, 0-14)

Germany 67
Latvia 2

(17-2, 16-0, 20-0, 14-0)

Great Britain 12
Switzerland 1

(2-0, 1-0, 4-1, 5-0)