Malta v Cyprus Match Report

Malta v Cyprus

Saturday 5 October 2024

Tony Bezzina Stadium, Paola, Malta

Rugby Europe Rugby XV Conference 2024-2025 Pool D

The Maltese and Cypriot rugby squads line up for the national anthems

Malta started off strong with an opening try and conversion, chalking up an early 7 – 0 lead in the 7th minute. A dominant performance saw the hosts score and convert two more tries in the 17th and 20th minutes, taking them 21 points clear of the Mighty Mouflons.

A yellow card for Cyprus’ Dominic Georgiou in the 28th minute saw Malta increase the lead to 24 – 0 from the resulting penalty kick. The score remained unchanged for the rest of the first 40, with Malta comfortably in the lead going into half time.

A game of two halves

The Mighty Mouflons took control early in the second half with some pace on the wing, weaving around the Maltese defence, resulting in a try by Dominic Georgiou in the 46th minute, converted by Marcus Holden. Cyprus scored again through another try by Dom Georgiou in the 55th minute, once again converted by Holden, taking the score to 24 - 14.

Mouflon hooker Matthew Georgiou was shown a yellow card in the 58th minute for a tip tackle on Malta’s number 8, leaving Cyprus’ front row incomplete at the scrum. Demetrios Sofocleous came on as replacement hooker to complete the Cyprus front row, with Billy Cosma coming off the field temporarily to maintain the 14 man yellow card disadvantage for Cyprus.

Malta scored an unconverted try in the 70th minute, followed by another converted try in the 77th minute. Malta 36 – 14 Cyprus. Demetrios Sofocleous ran in another try for Cyprus in the dying minutes, with player coach Marcus Holden converting to take the score to 36 – 21.

The final seconds of the game saw the referee award a penalty try to Malta for Cyprus collapsing the maul on the try line, sealing the final score at 43 – 21 and a bonus point win for Malta.

Cyprus tries: Dominic Georgiou (46), Dominic Georgiou (55), Demetrios Sofocleous (82). Conversions: Marcus Holden (47), Marcus Holden (56), Marcus Holden (83).

The Mighty Mouflons are back in action on Saturday 5 April 2025 when they host visitors Andorra at Tsirio Stadium in Limassol.