Turkey too strong for Malta in third-place play-off

Turkey has put on a 24-point second half to shut out Malta 36-12 at Bodrum, Turkey on Sunday afternoon.

Malta hit back through tries from Dean Zammit and Robin Cutajar after the Knights went down 12-0 early. Zarrin Galea converted each time.

After the Knights lost three players to bone fractures and breaks during game one against the Czech Republic, local players Robin Cutajar, Russell Bugeja and James Grech were among the best for Malta.

From the overseas leagues, Zarrin Galea, Alfie Jewitt and Dean Zammit did a lot of the needed work, that earned the away crowd’s respect, Karl Cassar playing a solid captain’s knock.

Together, the wounded Malta team earned the fans respect on and off the field.

Malta players were mobbed for their playing kit at full time, children stripping their hero players of their shirts, shorts and socks.

Captain Karl Cassar was very proud of his chargers, saying, “I’m immensely proud of the lads, they showed strength and character throughout the championship. A lot of what we practiced in training was implemented in today’s match and it looked dangerous”.

“I want to say thanks to all the supporters and sponsors that make this all possible. It’s a great honour to represent the red and white every single time”.

“It’s great to see match officials from mainland Europe in control of the matches at this championship. If we want to keep improving the level of the game, this kind of appointments need to keep happening both in European competition and also in established leagues such as England and France”.

Malta head coach Roderick Attard was again super proud of the Malta squad.

“Each and every one of our guys gave their heart to the team during this championship. Hats off to every player and staff that was involved in this Euro campaign”, said Attard.

“Now it’s time to get back to Malta to get our domestic league in order, so that we can be better prepared for competitions like this in future.