Malta rugby preserve perfect record

CYPRUS            10

MALTA              37

The Malta Rugby national team underlined their intentions to top the European Conference 1 for a third succession season when they crushed Cyprus 37-10 in Paphos yesterday.

It was another impressive display from Damian Neill’s men who all but wrapped up the match by the end of the first half when they surged to a commanding 22-0 lead.

The Cypriots showed signs of improvement on the restart, especially with the inclusion of Giovanni Dall’Amico, when they managed to score two quick tries.

But that failed to unsettle the visitors who managed to fend off the hosts’ fightback to cruise home to their third successive win in the group.

Malta have moved top of the five-team division on nine points, level with Croatia who they face in their final fixture on April 13.

This crucial showdown will determine who will proceed to the promotional play-off against the top team in Conference North 1.

At the moment, Sweden and Ukraine are sharing top spot with nine points.

Chris Dudman was Malta’s top performer yesterday with three tries but all players in the squad deserve praise for a composed display throughout.

Malta were off to a brisk start as after...