In preparation for the European Small nations Games in Cyprus 2005 the Malta National Squash Team encountered the Polish National Squash Team at the Marsa Sports and Country Club. Supported by a full house which included a group of children from Angela House the Maltese started off with Ivan Balzan winning the opening match 3 - 1 in a hard fought match against Arkadius Salinski. The Polish man took the 1st game and was 6-1 up in the second set but Ivan manage to pick up his game and eventually won 3 sets to 1. Second on was newcomer Steven Rizzo who had a good match against Wojtek Nowisz, considering that Steve was playing his first international match the final result of 3 - 2 in his favor was very optimistic. Steve Schranz played his usual cunning drop shot game to dispose of the Polish number 3 Andrzey Golebjoski in a thrilling 5 setter where Steve’s determination and fitness proved to be too much for the much younger Pole. Next on was Mark Lupi playing as number 2 against Marcin Leszewicz winning 3 - 1.

At this point Malta had a 4 - 0 Lead and the penultimate match was played between Bernard Bugeja and Poland’s resident coach and number 1 player who hails from Czech Republic. Bernard played one of his best games to produce a thrilling match loosing closely 3 - 1 to the much younger player. Karl Grech Or finished the Poles off by outpacing his opponent winning easily 3 - 0.

It is worth noting that Malta’s number 1 pro player Josef Desira did not take part in this friendly as he arrived the day after from Melbourne Australia. Malta’s lady ambassadors Liz Said , Johanna Rizzo and Roberta Pace Grima played a friendly match against the Polish visitors.

Liz Said showed all that experience is vital beating her much younger male counterpart 3 - 1, Johann Rizzo followed in her husband Steve steps and won 3 - 0 and newcomer Roberta Pace Grima lost narrowly 3 - 1 to the visitors.

President of the European Squash Federation Mr. Chris Stahl was present for the tournament and praised the organization for this friendly match. Also present where MOC Vice President Mr. Julian Pace Bonello who welcomed the Polish contingent.

Special thanks to the Marsa Sports Club for hosting the event and for attending the matches namely Albert Bonello, Tony Cilia Pisani , Ralf Axiaq and Mario Borg. Also thanks to Wilson for providing the Malta T- Shirts and Tournament balls.

Last but not least Mr Paul Anthony Lake Malta’s national coach for the preparation and organization of the whole event.