Serbia sealed the Euro B title with an ultimately convincing 52-12 win over Malta at the FC BSK Stadium in Borca. They overpowered the Knights in the final quarter, running in five tries, all from different scorers.

“We really got into gear in the second half but credit to Malta, they made us work for it and it was a tough game,” said Serbia head coach Darren Fisher. “I’m so pleased all round with the overall performances. It’s been a great competition for us and the guys got what they deserved with two impressive wins.”

Partizan 1953 winger Andrej Marinkovic posted two tries for the hosts in the opening half, stand off Nikola Djuric also going over to give them a 14-6 advantage at the break, although Malta briefly led through a Josh Gatt touchdown and Kyle Gauci conversion.

Alfie Jewitt’s try ten minutes into the second period, again converted by Gauci, brought the visitors back to within two points but Serbia stepped up a gear; Aleksandar Pavolic finding the line, Djuric adding a second and Jesse Soric jinking over. 

Jason Muranka added a fourth score during a ten-minute purple patch which saw Malta reduced to 11 men at one point as Kyle Micallef and Mark Robertson were sent to the sin bin, Serbia’s Daniel Marjanovic also sent to cool off after his part in a scuffle.

Stefan Arsic crossed with ten minutes remaining, Vladica Nikolic and Silver Zenuni also powering over, with further conversions from Dzavid Jasari - who landed five goals - taking it to the half century.

Malta head coach, Phil Humphrey, noted: “It was a very entertaining game for 50 minutes until Serbia’s better conditioning and some of our indiscipline kicked in and made it a little one sided. We’ve very much enjoyed coming here and, despite the disappointment, we’re looking forward to next year.”

Malta are relegated to Euro C where they will join Greece and Germany in 2026.