Malta 7

Poland 3

(1-1), (2-1), (1-1), (3-0)

In their first competitive match for the 2012 European Championships, Malta pitted their strength against Poland in an encounter which was widely seen as an opportunity for the local boys. However kingpin and Neptunes stalwart Steve Camilleri was once again absent from Sergio Afric’s line up due to his commitments with Bogliasco in Italy.

The first session ended 1-1 with Poland taking the lead through a penalty converted by Rozycki and Malta equalizing at the end of the session through Brownrigg.

In the second session, Malta raced to a two goal lead through Lanzon and Jordan Camilleri but were pegged back to 3-2 when Krawczyk scored from a man up situation.

The third session was another close affair although Malta were rather profligate in their chances. Soler made it 4-2 and after missing numerous occasions, the locals allowed Poland to make it 4-3 to set up a nail biting final session.

However, Malta sealed the issue in the final session with three goals from Soler, Lanzon and Meli to round off an impressive 7-3 victory.

Malta: Borg Cole A, Lanzon N (2), Sullivan T, Stellini M, Meli M (1), Soler J (2), Camilleri J (1), Brownrigg J (1), Debono C, Gravina S, Borg P, Bianchi A, Coleiro R

Poland: Diakonow M, Turowski M, Krawczyk M (1), Perka A, Piatek P, Luc D, Rozycki T (2), Bar, Czapla M, Sekula R, Luczak B, Leszek W, Backowski T

Referees: F Xavier Buch (Spain), Pascal Planchon (France)