Malta coasted through their first game, against a plucky Welsh outfit, who were no match for our lasses. The victory still came with a price, as our professional, Josephine Grima, sprained her ankle in the second session, and is a doubtful starter for today’s match, against Andorra.

Malta had a good start to the match, as their strong play and shifting defence unsettled the Welsh side, and the locals raced into a 9-2 lead, with a Kirsten Micallef trey.

The Welsh team could only reply in patches. and an 8-0 run, with another Micallef trey, enhanced Malta’s lead. Wales could only reply through free shots, and new entry Beverlee Zammit put in two lay-ups at the end of the session.

The second quarter was a different affair. The Welsh were more confident, and the locals were less penetrative. Added to that the Maltese were wasteful in their free throws.

Yalland was more in evidence, with her left-handed hoops, as Wales started to get nearer. It was left to Doreen Parnis to sink two late free shots, as Josephine Grima went injured on the bench. At the interval Malta led 35-22.

After the break Malta once again had the measure of their opponents. A good opening, with an 11-3 run, including a Zammit trey, gave the locals the confidence they needed. Wales could only chase as Dorianne galea found her shooting touch, sinking three hoops in a row. Kirsten Micallef complimented her with another two treys, as Malta pulled away. Only Murphy managed to pierce the Malta defence, as the locals went 60-31 ahead.

In their endeavour to stop their adversaries Wales lost two players on fouls in the last quarter. Malta had their second squad on court, but their fast play was enough to help them keep their lead, despite Wales’ two treys. All the Maltese players put their name on the score sheet.

Malta: 5 R. Camilleri, 10 D. Galea, 2 A. Sciortino, 2 L. Bezzina, 3 G. Zarb, 4 A. Borg, 14 D. Parnis, 16 K. Micallef, 2 F. Schembri, 11 B. Zammit, 5 J. Grima, 3 C. Fenech

Wales: 6 L. Trott, L, Shanahan, 2 S. Wilson, 13 D. Yalland, 4 T. Colbron, 5 M. Acreman, 7 K. Gregory, 2 A. Gould, 8 R. Murphy, Z. Grainger

Referees: K. Mouzakis (Greece), I. Felice (Gibraltar)

Other matches:

Group A: Luxembourg 56 Moldova 45. This match was refereed by Bernard Vassallo and Enrico Sabetta (Italy) Group B: Scotland 72 Andorra 45