The Malta U-17's waterpolo national team finished in a commendable fourth place at the Novaky International tournament in Slovakia on Sunday.

Karl Izzo's boys had to bow to the strength of Hungary who prevailed in the third-place play-off 21-7.

Jake Muscat was again Malta's leading scorer when netting a hat-trick while Seb Busuttil grabbed a brace. The other scorers for Malta were Gabriel Melillo and Matthew Chircop.

On Saturday, Malta had lost a tight semi-final against Georgia 7-5.

Against the Georgians the Maltese put on a valiant display and were unlucky to have two goals annulled by the match referees.

However, all in all the Slovakian training camp turned out to be an excellent build up for Izzo's boys ahead of this week's commitments in the European Championship qualifers at the National Pool.

They were drawn in Group A and will be playing against Greece, the Czech Republic, Poland and Switzerland.

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