Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/408403
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 2 NOVEMBER 2014 Sport 53 RUGBY Malta ............................ 31 Croatia .......................... 26 MIKE TURNER MALTA'S campaign for promo- tion to Division 1B in the European Championship got off to a successful start with the defeat of a determined Croatia in a thrilling and spectacular match at Hibs Stadium, Kordin. The rugby played was of high skill and a real advertisement for the game. From the start the game was played in the central part of the pitch but repeated infringements by Croatia allowed the golden boot of O'Brien to convert three penalties and give Malta an early nine point lead. However Croatia slowly ground their way back by using the for- wards and then releasing the ball to their hard running and side stepping backs, which let Ayoub in under the posts for a fine try which he convert- ed to bring the score back to 9-5. Then Morris earned a yellow card for a silly late tackle and suddenly Malta were on the back foot. Croatia took advantage of the one man ad- vantage to press territorially and drove over for another try after a long period of forward pressure, to take the lead 12-9. Another penalty by O'Brien pulled the Maltese level and then they re- gained the lead with a huge forward effort which drove the Croatians back, followed by great timing in the backs to release Stivala who creamed his opposite number with a lovely, balanced swerve to score in the cor- ner. O'Brien converted from wide and Malta retook the lead; When the Malta pack turned on the fire they really ripped the heavier Croatians. However they were still giving away too many penalties, picked up by the excellent French referee Traininina. The first half finished with Malta leading 19-12. Malta restarted with a super burst of attacking rugby, sparkling running by the backs and scored a superb try again, converted yet again by O'Brien to open up a commanding lead 26- 12. The Malta backs and forwards continued to run and attack in uni- son but gallant defence by Croatia held them off. Sadly much of the kicking by Malta was red and gave away valuable pos- session and this allowed Croatia to stay in the game. Indeed they man- aged to work their way back with massive power at close quarters and pull back to 26-19 with a converted try. Malta responded with a series of attacks by the backs who were run- ning with superb smooth timing and Stivala scored his second try to reach 31-19. Indeed another try was missed by a poor pass. Malta were attacking again and again but could not quite score. Then poor kicking gave away territory and the determined Croatians scored again to bring themselves back to within one score to snatch a win, 31-26. However the Maltese rose to the challenge and tied up possession until the end and came out as worthy winners. It was a great and sporting encoun- ter between two very good teams and a good advertisement for rugby in Malta, honoured by the presence of the President. PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRIS MANGION Malta hold on to defeat Croatia