Malta 22

Sweden 14

James O’Brien led Malta to a convincing 22-14 win against Sweden yesterday in front of a massive and enthusiastic crowd at the Hibernians Stadium.

The victory means that Malta has ensured its stay in Euro Division Two A for at least another two seasons. They are now second in the Group on 20 points, four behind the leaders Sweden.

It was a very impressive performance by O’Brien who scored 17 of the 22 points – four penalties and one try. The other points came from an Oliver Sacco try.

O’Brien put Malta in front after five minutes from a penalty and Sacco made it 8-0 in the 24th with O’Brien failing to add to the tally as he did not convert the kick.

Sweden came back strongly into contention on the 29th minute when Thomas Arvidson scored a try which was converted by Robin Fransson. Score 8-7.

Early in the second period, Malta lost Joss Howlands for good. He was red carded after a foul and Malta had to continue with only14 men till the end.

At first Malta did not seem to be effected as they still looked the better team, even extending their lead to 17-7 thanks to three successive penalties converted by O’Brien.

Somehow, the Swedes managed to regroup and they scored a second try through Jacobus Van Niekerk which was converted by Fransson: score 17-14.

The Maltese, however, were not to be outdone. Their fighting qualities came to the fore in the final part of the match, even if they looked tired in the circumstances. But the introduction by coach Damien Neill of Daniel Aspee and Clayton Cassar held to ease the Swedes’ pressure.

In fact, Sweden were swarming upfield in an effort to save the match. The Maltese, however, not only held on to their lead, but once again they extended it in the final minutes through an O’Brien try which, however, was not converted.

The local boys certainly deserved the applause of all those present for a very encouraging performance.

Malta’s next match is the final qualifier away against Croatia next Saturday.