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

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 afternoon heat, the Maltese took advantage of experience and the Australian-Maltese contingent of the Frendo cousins Dylan, Matthew and Jamie. A spirited Gozo team couldn't match the Maltese in the second half 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"

MATCHDAY 1 RESULTS
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)