Gozo Rugby League made a mark on their debut in the MRL Championship when they took on the Malta Origin team at Swatar yesterday evening.

In the Gozitans first official fixture, they took the lead with two tries in the opening five minutes thanks to Hussain and Hili to leave the experienced Maltese team shell shocked and trailing 8-nil.The Maltese clawed back and held a 16-12 lead at half time over the Gozitans who were boosted by guest coach and ex Leeds player Peter Astbury.

In the high temperatures, the Maltese took advantage of their experience and the Australian-Maltese contingent of the Frendo cousins Dylan, Matthew and Jamie.

In the second stanza, a spirited Gozo team couldn’t match the Maltese, who boasted national team players including Matthew Von Brockdorff and Dario Schembri, and the Maltese won 36 to 16.

Former Great Britain international Roger Millward MBE was a keen spectator. “I was very impressed with the commitment and the skill level shown by both the Maltese and the Gozitans,” said Millward.

“There’s plenty of talent there to work with, I’m sure they’ve got a bright future ahead of themselves in the game-“

English Strength and Conditioning Coach, Vince Donnelly, in Malta and overlooking the match, said. “I was surprised at the level of fitness shown, especially in that Maltese summer heat.”

Former England and Great Britain coach Peter Cox added “I found the players very enthusiastic, committed, good tackling and very serious. Much room for improvement when they play together rather than individuals.”

Peter Fox, Roger Millward MBE, and Peter Astbury are in Malta this week, bringing over 800 top level games experience with them, they have been guests to the Maltese Islands since the early 1980’s.

Malta Origin 36 (D Frendo 2, J Criminale 2, Von Brockdorff, D Schembri, J Frendo, M Frendo, J Micallef-Moreno tries) defeated

Gozo RL 16 (G Hili 2, S Hussain, C Debattista tries)

Half Time: Malta Origin 16-12

At St Martin’s College, Swatar

Ref: A.Micallef

Photos – Eman Borg and Anthony Micallef.

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