Malta 6
Switzerland 4
(2-1, 1-1, 0-1, 3-1)

Malta opened their commitments in the European 'B' Championship on a positive note when they beat hosts Switzerland 6-4 in a Group B match in Lugano yesterday.

It was a good performance from Sergio Afric's team who had Josie Cachia in fine form as the Sliema goalkeeper effected a string of fine saves that kept the hosts at bay in crucial moments of the match.

The only cause for concern for Malta yesterday was the poor conversion rate in man-up sets and coach Afric will hope his players will be more clinical in their next matches.

The match was evenly poised, with the Maltese holding a slim one-goal advantage after the opening two sessions as they led 3-2.

However, the Swiss soon restored equilibrium when winning the third session 1-0 to tie the match at three-all.

It was anyone's match now, but the Maltese looked the sharper side in the final session with Neptunes player Steve Camilleri netting two vital goals that sealed Malta's win.

The other scorers for Malta yesterday where John Soler, who netted twice, Paul Privitera and Jonathan Valletta.

Malta will again be in action this afternoon at 4.30 p.m. when they face Poland. Yesterday, the Polish side were on the receiving end of a 16-3 drubbing by Georgia.

Malta: J. Cachia, A. Borg Cole, J. Gabaretta, S. Camilleri 2, C. Debono, M. Pisani, P. Privitera 1, J. Valletta 1, M. Stellini, J. Soler 2, M. Meli, J. Brownrigg, N. Lanzon.

Other results: Group B - Poland vs Georgia 3-16; Netherlands vs Great Britain 7-8. Group A - Belarus vs Denmark 17-3; Ukraine vs Slovenia 10-12; Turkey vs France 5-10.