Malta 14

Turkey 13

(3-3, 2-0, 3-5, 2-2; 4-3 on pens)

The Maltese waterpolo national team clinched its first-ever victory at a European Championship when it defeated Turkey 14-13 in a penalty shoot-out in a play-off for 15th and 16th place.

It was a brave performance from the Maltese team who gave everything they had to try to avoid conceding its seventh successive defeat and avoid bottom spot in the prestigious continental championship.

Steve Camilleri, scorer of four goals, converted the winning penalty but goalkeeper Nicky Grixti was the real hero for Malta as the young custodian not only effected a string of excellent saves during the match but also saved two penalties in the shoot-out.

Malta had enjoyed a good start to the match as after sharing six goals in the opening session the team scored twice without reply in the second quarter to change ends 5-3 ahead.

But the Turks fought back in the third quarter, which they won 5-3, to go into the final session level at eight-all.

The tension was high in the final quarter with Steve Camilleri giving Malta a 10-9 lead only for Osman Gulenc to level matters and send the match in a penalty shoot-out.

Here Grixti came to the fore after keeping out efforts from Cemil Ozbakis and Halil Beskardesler before Camilleri rammed the final penalty in the Turkish net to give Malta the victory.

Malta: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon, J. Gabaretta 1, N. Bugelli, M. Meli 1, M. Zammit 1, S. Camilleri 4, J. Camilleri, J. Brownrigg 1, A. Cousin 2, B. Plumpton, D. Zammit, N. Grixti.