Malta staged a strong second-half fightback to overcome Israel 16-13 in a thrilling FIRA-AER Division 2A match in Netanya yesterday.

It was determined performance from the Maltese who trailed the hosts 5-3 at the end of the first half.

But on the restart Damien Neill’s men clicked into gear to score two tries that put them in command.

Israel mounted a late rally but the visitors held on for their second win in the group to move up to third on eight points.

The Czech Republic lead the way on 14 points, five clear of Switzerland who yesterday beat Croatia 40-20, and face the Maltese in Corradino next week.

“It was not one of our best performances but still managed to win the match and that is very important,” Neill told the Sunday Times of Malta yesterday.

“In the first half we had long spells of possession but our decision making was very poor and we let Israel off the hook too many times. But in the second half we were more clinical and that made the difference.”

James O’Brien had put Malta 3-0 up from a penalty but Israel responded with an uncoverted try that put them 5-3 up at the break.

On the restart, O’Brien scored another penalty before Harry Collins grabbed the team’s first try of the match to put Malta 11-5 ahead.

Israel bridged the gap to 11-8 from a penalty but Malta soon restored their eight-point lead with a James Kirk try.

The hosts scored their second try late on to move 16-13 behind, but the Maltese held on for the win.

Current standings
Czech Republic (3-0-0) 14; Switzerland (2-0-1) 10; Malta (2-0-1) 8; Croatia (1-0-3) 8; Israel (0-0-3) 1.