Haycock's late try puts Malta through
Malta 28Denmark 18(Malta win 31-30 on aggregate)\nThe Malta national team yesterday wrote a new page in the annals of local rugby when a last-gasp try by Steve Haycock gave them a 28-18 win over Denmark and a spot in the third qualifying round of the...
Malta 28
Denmark 18
(Malta win 31-30 on aggregate)
\nThe Malta national team yesterday wrote a new page in the annals of local rugby when a last-gasp try by Steve Haycock gave them a 28-18 win over Denmark and a spot in the third qualifying round of the World Cup.
Malta's thrilling display yesterday saw them turning the tables on Denmark, winning the two-legged play-off 31-30 on aggregate.
It was an extraordinary finish to an exciting match in which Malta battled hard as they tried to overturn the first-leg 12-3 defeat to Denmark. Midway through the second half, Malta seemed well poised to qualify when leading 23-11 but Sue Regan scored a try for Denmark with only five minutes to go to put his team in the driving seat.
To their credit, the Maltese never threw in the towel and their efforts were rewarded with Haycock's try that steered the team into the next round where they will face Germany, Belgium, Croatia and Serbia.
"I'm proud of the players," Malta coach Damien Neill told The Sunday Times. "They fought hard for this result, showed great character and deserved to qualify.
"Now, we have another tough group coming up but I can assure you that we will be well geared up for these matches."
Malta had a fine start at a packed Hibs Ground yesterday. After 15 minutes Paul Marzella converted a penalty but the Danes levelled things up from another penalty by Morten Nielsen. Malta soon restored their lead with another Marzella penalty.
Malta's speed was suddenly hurting the Danes and on 25 minutes Joe Sultana powered his way through to score a try that was converted by Marzella - 13-3 for Malta.
Denmark rallied and Regan scored with a drop kick before Nielsen gave the visitors an early lift on resumption with a try to drag his team within two points of Malta, 13-11.
The hosts soon hit back with Marzella and Watts notching vital tries to stretch Malta's lead to 12 points. Regan looked as if he had wrecked Malta's party with a try converted by Nielsen. But then Rasmussen was sent off and in stoppage time Haycock hit the decisive try.
Malta: I. Borda, J. Ramage, T. Webb, L. Watts (5), C. Vassallo, D. Grima, S. Kempster, D. St George, J. Dimond, J. Caruana, P. Marzella (13), D. Busuttil, M. Cuschieri, C. von Moll, J. Sultana (5).
Subs used: S. Haycock (5), S. Worthington, O. Sacco, R. Bonavia, C. Diamantino.