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51 Sport maltatoday, SUNDAY, 10 NOVEMBER 2013 PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAY ATTARD RUGBY ters O'Brien missed two comparatively easy penalties and Malta began to look a little jittery, s they continued to kick away possession. Croatia had no specialist place kicker and always kicked to touch to go for tries. The physical threat of Croatia might have worn Malta down but the team tackled like tigers and when Croatia pressed the try line the defence was stalwart. Finally a superb tactical kick put Malta back on the defensive and quickly won ball allowed Stivala to swerve and force his way over for try, converted from the corner by O'Brien. 26 – 8 and Malta looked more comfortable and in control. Throughout Degurar and Schranz at lock were magnificent in out thinking and out running their bigger opponents. Croatia continued to gtind for points and Malta captain Dom Busuttil was yellow caede for a profes- sional foul to prevent a try. Suddenly despite their good lead Malta looked potentially viulnerable. Croatia almost immediately scored a try. The magnificent Maltese team rose to the challenge , charged upfield and O'Brien notched a penalty. Straight from the kick off Kirk was fed the ball, chipped into space and scored a wonderful try in the corner.. Croatia hit back with another drive over try, but the match was finished by anoth- er O'Brien penalty. Malta has safeguarded their position in the division and could still even challenge for promotion, having scored five tries to win a bonus point. Altogether a magnificent display by Damien Neills men. A moment to be proud to be Maltese. YOUR FIRST CLICK OF THE DAY www.maltatoday.com.mt