Match report - Gibraltar 8 - Malta 33
Gibraltar, unofficially ranked at 101 before the game, took on 40th ranked Malta at the Victoria Stadium on Saturday. The Maltese were fielding a strong side, with 3 new caps, but with plenty of experience in the rest of their squad. Gibraltar were giving first caps to a total of 6 players, but were hoping to build on their unbeaten home run. Additionally, there was the usual large crowd of colourful and passionate supporters to sing and encourage the local team in this latest International adventure.
From kick off, everyone was quick to realise that Gibraltar were facing their toughest test to date. For the first quarter there was intense tackling and competition at every phase of play, though Malta played havoc with the stability of the early local scrums. The line speed of the visitors was also putting great pressure on the local backline, the source of so many home tries to date. The game was fairly well balanced, though Malta were winning the territorial battle. Malta had an early opportunity to score in the 14th minute, but kicker James Morris’ attempt came off the crossbar and was safely cleared by Gibraltar.
The locals were slowly beginning to come to terms with the Maltese pressure when visiting centre Tom Neal intercepted a pass some 40 metres out and run in unopposed to score their first try, converted by James Morris for a 0-7 lead. Lightning struck again in the 29th minute, with another interception by Vince Stivala converted by Morris for a 0-14 lead.
In the final minute of the half a local scrum feed bounced off the second row feet, back into Maltese hands. With the Gibraltar backs set up to attack, Malta were able to counter quickly and scored a third try, Stivala scoring his second. The conversion was just missed by Morris and the sides went in at half time with Gibraltar trailing 0-19.
The score was not a true reflection of the balance of the match. The lineouts had been balanced, with Gibraltar winning all their own ball and providing good attacking platform. Malta had a slight edge in the scrums, although the home side had only lost one scrum. In open play, Gibraltar struggled to get the width and phase play that had been so successful in previous matches. However, the local defence had been heroic and not allowed the visitors any clear scoring opportunity. This was the message from the coaching team at half time.
6