Malta has started its commitments in the European Nations Cup - Division 2B with a disappointing loss to Latvia.
The match in Riga was played on a well prepared pitch under a bright sun with some light fresh breeze, the temperature on the day was 5 degrees Celcius and as such was a brilliant day for rugby.
Today Malta takes on Croatia at the Hibs Ground in Corradino at 1pm. Malta has already played Croatia here in Malta and had managed a win. The players are all keen to show what they are really worth and with the help of the local crowd, and are looking to prove that Malta Rugby is a better team than what the Latvia result might suggest.
The day will start with performances by Indigo and Ivan Filletti, while DJs Joe Tanti and Colin Fitz will warm up the crowd before kick-off and prepare them for the huge welcome that they have always given the local boys when they take to the pitch for their country.
Rugby in Malta is evolving and growing mostly thanks to the support of those individuals who are dedicating time and effort sometimes at great personal sacrifice. However a big turnout by the crowd will make it seem all worth while and, of course, with the crowd behind our boys anything can happen!
The national squad remains the following:
1. Thomas Watts - Broad Street Old Boys RFC (UK), 2. Oliver Sacco - Clifton RFC (UK), 3. Malcolm Attard - Stompers RFC (Local), 4. Pierre Mangion - Kavallieri RFC (Local), 5. Matthew Mirabelli - Stompers RFC(Local), 6. Lee Culnane - Tuggeranong Vikings RFC (Australia), 7. Steven Kempster - Tring RFC (UK), 8. Dominic St.George - Kews RFC (UK), 9. Ryan Robson - Blaydon RFC (UK), 10. Piers Allen - Overseas RFC (Local), 11. James Finlason - Hove RFC (UK), 12. Jason Ramage - Royal Airforce (UK), 13. Jamie Caruana - Redruth RFC (UK), 14. Guy Kennedy - Queenbeyan Whites RFC (Australia), 15. John Attard - Hartpury College (UK), 16. Leo Mifsud - Stompers RFC (Local), 17. Michael McArdle - Barking RFC (UK), 18. David Gasan - Kavallieri RFC (Local), 19. Robert Bonavia - Kavallieri RFC (Local), 20. Ian Borda - Kavallieri RFC (Local), 21. Saviour Zarb - Easts Rugby Canberra (Australia), 22. John Dimond - Barry RFC (UK).
The referee for the match against Croatia will be Mr M Villegas from the Spanish RFU.
At present, Poland lead the Div. 2 B standings with six points from two matches. Latvia have three points from one match. Malta, Croatia and Andorra have one points, also from one match.