Sweden-Malta 24-13

After defeating Croatia last week in Malta, Malta yesterday had to bow their heads against a strong Sweden side which is now occupying second place in the group standings.

Despite the result, Malta remain in third place in Division 2A, beneath Lithuania and Sweden. This follows Croatia’s loss yesterday against Lithuania (29-12). In the group, Latvia are fourth and Croatia are in fifth place.

Sweden’s attack was strong from the opening moments of the game with the home side scoring a try within the first five minutes of the match.

Malta responded with a penalty to gain three points, but the half time score reflected a tight match with a score of Sweden 7 - Malta 3.

Within the first five minutes of the second half, one of the Maltese players received a yellow card, leading to a try and conversion by Sweden resulting in a 14-3 score.

Malta responded with a try making the score a more even 14-10, but another Swedish try put the home team in the lead by 21 points to 10. Malta won a penalty bringing them three more points (to 13) but another kick by Sweden enhanced Sweden’s lead.

The final whistle found the Swedes 24-13 on top.