Malta 28 Ireland 4 (5-0, 8-0, 7-1, 8-3)

Malta started its committments in the Group C qualifying group with a massive win over Ireland at the national pool at Tal-Qroqq.

In the other match Romania, the favourites to win the group, defeated Lithuania 14-1.

Malta will play on Saturday against Lithuania. The Maltese team then faces Romania on Sunday in what should be the decisive match for qualification.

Malta is aiming to qualify for the European championship finals for the fourth consecutive time.

The match was practically over by the half way line with Malta already leading 13-0.

Irland scored their first goal in the third quarter when Malta was winning 17-0.

Jake Muscat and Matthew Zammit were Malta’s best scorers helping themselves to six goals each.

Ben Plumpton netted five goals followed by Dino Zammit with four goals.

James Gambin netted a hat-trick followed by Matthew Mifsud with two, and Zachary Zammit and Matthew Mifsud scored a goal each.

Photo: Domenic Aquilina

Other match:

Romania………. 14

Lithuania……….. 1

(1-0), (5-0), (4-1), (4-0)