An exhilarating game, which saw Malta just losing out against a taller outfit. The toll of three days play was felt in the latter stages of the match, after Malta had held the lead for quite some time. The locals had a fight back at the end, which brought fresh hopes, but it was to no avail, as the Scots held out to win the group.

Malta started off well, with their fleet defence and the two-pronged attack of Josephine Grima and Dorianne Galea. In fact scotland found the way to basket difficult, and had to chase all through the first session, as Malta kept their lead throughout. Grima’s fine shooting extended Malta’s lead. to an 18-7 score, but Scotland came back at the end of the session, to reduce the arrears.

In the second session Scotland started pressing, and treys by Findlay, after recovered balls, brought them nearer. Malta still kept their lead, and consecutive free throws by Lucienne Bezzina, enhanced their advantage again. Egged on by the good crowd, and Bezzina’s trey helped the locals to a satisfying 36-26 lead at the interval.

The play changed after the break. The Maltese sought to preserve their lead as Scotland pressed again, this time with more conviction. Further treys made it a closer game, at 40-36, and Scotland were in full cry, as they managed an 8-0 run, to forge ahead, with yet another Findlay trey. The locals at last replied, and free shots by Dorianne Galea pushed them back in front. Scotland had a reply, and it was all-square, at 46-46, after three sessions.

The last quarter was a ding-dong affair. It was Malta who first went in front again, then treys on both sides made it a level 51-51. It was Anderson, with her points, including another trey, who saw Scotland emerge ahead, and despite Doreen Pisani’s trey, it was still Scotland in front midway through the session. Both sides were foul hit, and lost players, as Scotland began to edge away. Malta made a last-ditch effort in the closing minute, getting within reach again, but Scotland could play possession, to progress to a semi final against Moldova, whilst Malta now face group winners, Luxembourg, in the other semi final, on Saturday, at 5.30pm.

Malta: R. Camilleri, 12 D. Galea, A, Sciortino, 11 L. Bezzina, G. Zarb, A. Borg, 11 D. Parnis, 2 K. Micallef. F. Schembri, 4 B. Zammit, 24 J. Grima, C. Fenech

Scotland: 24 R. Anderson, 9 E. Findlay, A. Nelson, 2 L. Stupart, 3 A. Rowan, J. Duff, J. McLaren, 2 H. Howson, 4 L. Walker, 8 M.Buchan, 14 C. Nelson, 5 S. Moore

Referees: E. Sabetta (ITA), C. Roettgers (LUX)

Other results: Group A: Gibraltar 33 Luxembourg 111 (Referee Bernard Vassallo was one of the officials

Group B: Andorra 61 Wales 47