Malta ended their commitments at the World Aquatics 4×4 Water Polo Open Championships on a high after producing a commanding performance to defeat Australia 3-0 and secure an excellent ninth-place finish in Dubrovnik.
Anthony Farrugia’s side controlled the encounter from the outset and proved too strong for their Australian opponents, wrapping up victory in three sessions.
Alec Fenech and Stevie Camilleri were among the protagonists for Malta, finishing with four goals apiece.
Malta immediately signalled their intentions by taking the opening session 5-3. Fenech struck twice, while Camilleri and Liam Galea converted penalties and Julian Valletta also found the net.
The Maltese maintained their momentum in the second session, again prevailing 5-3 to establish a 2-0 advantage in the match.
Camilleri scored twice in the session, with Fenech, Matthew Mifsud and Galea adding a goal each as Malta continued to keep Australia at bay.
Malta then stepped up another gear in the third session, producing their most dominant attacking display of the contest to win 7-3 and complete the 3-0 victory.
Camilleri opened the scoring before Sam Engerer struck twice to put Malta firmly in control.
With Australia struggling to contain the Maltese attack, Galea added another brace, while Mifsud and Russell Caruana also got their names on the scoresheet to complete an emphatic performance.
The three session victories, by scores of 5-3, 5-3 and 7-3, gave Malta a convincing conclusion to their campaign and ensured Farrugia’s team finished ninth overall at the championships in Dubrovnik.
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