Malta retained its chance of advancing further in the European B Championships yesterday as they beat Serbia & Montenegro in Belgrade 16-3. It was the perfect response from the Maltese after their heavy 43-0 defeat the previous week at the hands of a strong Germany.

The Maltese, for whom Sacco and Warren were ruled out through injury, had to come from behind yesterday to obtain their excellent victory.

In fact, it was the home side who took the lead on the fifth minute through a penalty.

Malta fought back to equalise in the 38th minute through a penalty from Rohan Spiteri. Before the interval whistle, Malta had a try and another penalty from Rohan Spiteri to go in for a rest on a 10-3 result in their favour.

The small crowd present had little to shout about in the second half as the Maltese continued to pile up the score with two further penalties from Rohan Spiteri.

Malta will again be in action in the tournament next April, first at home against Croatia and then against Belgium in Brussels.