Malta achieved a hard-earned 35-34 victory against Belgium at the famous Carnegie Headingley Stadium, in Leeds, on Sunday.

In a game of fluctuating fortunes, Malta were always in control but the Belgians fought back despite trailing by no fewer 20 points earlier in the match.

Belgium tied the game at 34-all until Malta vice-captain Danny Burke kicked a field goal to put his team ahead.

In a tight finale, the Maltese players held on to their lead in dramatic circumstances after Jean-Pierre Zarb took an intercept on his own line to stop the Belgians from winning the match in the dying seconds.

Malta’s tries included two from captain Malcolm Attard, and one each for James Redman, Sam Blyton-Keep, Jake Lynch and Blake Phillips.

Blyton-Keep capped off a 14-point record by kicking five from six conversions.

This game clearly meant a lot to the Maltese squad and coaching staff who were quick to celebrate at the full-time hooter.

The scoreline may have been tight but it did not reflect Malta’s dominance over Belgium throughout the game, capitalising on the opportunities that came their way both in attack and defence.

Malta can take a lot of confidence from this result after beating a highly-ranked European Rugby League team against the odds.

As they say in Rugby League “what happens on the pitch stays on the pitch” and both teams had a group photo together post-match in line with the positive spirit of the game.

Malta: Paul Parkinson; Jean-Pierre Zarb; Christian Briffa; Ed Willis; Julian Caruana; Malcolm Attard; Danny Burke; Jake Lynch; James Redman; Jeremy Dela; Blake Phillips; Sam Blyton-Keep; Justin Barlogio.

Captain: Malcolm Attard.

Substitutes: Peter Debono, Joseph-Pio Mizzi, Karl Cassar and Louie Singleton.

Belgium: Simon Troquereaux; Lelio Guimard; Yann Bertrand; Damien Paree; Iliass Laachiri; Yvan Leroyer; Kamel Belkiri; Agim Coroli; Christopher Eyns; Josquin Dewinne; Karnik Avedikian; Adam Bahemou; Nicolas Bourgin.

Captain: Josquin Dewinne.

Substitutes: Colin Niez, Guillaume Van Der Elst, Jonathan Bouillon and Quentin Leclercq.

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