The raffa team preparing for next year’s GSSE in Monaco qualified for the semi-finals of the European Championships in Stuttgart, Germany.

They have progressed in the championship following victories against very highly quoted opponents namely: Hungary 3-0 (12-2,12-7,11-1), Liechtenstein 3-0 (12-0,12-9,12-0), Turkey 3-0 (12-2,12-5,12-6) and quarter final against hosts Germany 3-0 (12-11,12-8,12-9).

In the semi final the Malta team faced Austria and lost 3 - 0 (12-10,12-5,12-8).

The Malta team had to play for the bronze medal against the other losing semi- finalist, Switzerland.

The final for the gold medal shall be played between the two best sides of the European Championships, Austria and Italy.

This performance is very good and augurs well for the games as the raffa team has not been competing for a number of years as the more traditional game is played locally and not this variant. The Maltese bowlers have an excellent track record in that they are the reigning Gold Medalist when raffa was last in the GSSE in San Marino 2001 when Stefan Farrugia beat the top San Marino player in the final and they also won a Bronze medal in the much acclaimed Mediterranean Games in Bari 1997.

Under the guidance of top player/coach Stefan Farrugia the team is progressing well and with the support of the Federazzjoni Maltija Bocci and the constant support and backing of the Malta Olympic Committee they are well pitched for a good performance in the GSSE in June 2007.