Fiji A defeat Malta in Sydney

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA- Fiji A scored 3 tries in the final 13 minutes of play to record a 40-24 victory over international rugby league's latest newcomer Malta, before a crowd of about 1,600 in Sydney last night.

With Fiji A and Malta fielding playing rosters of 23 and 19 players respectively, Fiji A led 16-14 at half time and were well led by captain Tabua Cakacaka.

It was try-for-try in the second half before the Fijians overpowered the smaller Malta team late in the match through sheer size.

In what was a hard-fought contest, Malta's Damien Attard suffered a broken ankle in the worst of Malta's injuries.

Sydney Roosters' up and coming new talent Pee Wee Moke scored 1 of the Fijians 8 tries while Matt Zammit crossed twice for the Maltese.

In what was billed as the battle of the islands, international rugby league was the winner of the night as expressed by Malta head coach Joe Grima and MRLA Vice Chairman Michael Borg.

"forget everything, the game of rugby league was the winner here tonight" Borg said.

Fiji A 40 (J Storer, P Moke, P Delaivuna, J Delana, T Cakacaka, S Koroi, V Bailomaloma, N Davui tries. T Cakacaka 4 from 8 goals) def. Malta 24 (M Zammit 2, S Azzopardi, A Xuereb, W Grech tries. B Sammut 2 from 5 goals) at Melita Stadium, Sydney Australia Att: Approx. 1,600

Please Note:

Full report to appear later in week at http://www.malteserugbyleague.com