Malta suffered a narrow 20–18 home defeat to Greece on Saturday night, leaving their European Championship Group C fate dependent on next weekend’s meeting between Greece and Germany in Chania, Crete.
Josh Gatt’s late converted try brought Malta within two points, but the Knights ran out of time as Greece held on to move top of the group.
The fixture underwent a venue change earlier in the day following storm and rain damage across the islands.
Both teams made a hesitant start, with incomplete sets disrupting their attacking rhythm. Greece opened the scoring in the 17th minute when centre Sam Stratis outjumped Shaun Chircop to collect a cross-field kick and touch down.
Malta responded 12 minutes later through Stompers hooker Xavier Mamo, with veteran halfback Jarrod Sammut adding the conversion. Sammut finished the evening with three successful conversions from three attempts.
Greece regained the advantage before the interval when Eddie Markopoulos intercepted a pass and raced 90 metres to score.
Malta moved 12–10 ahead early in the second half, but Greece responded through fullback Tyrone Tsagalias. Markopoulos then completed his double in the 62nd minute to give the visitors an eight-point cushion.
The Knights suffered further setbacks when Mark Robertson, who plays for South Perth Lions in Australia, was forced off with a bicep injury and interchange player William Watts was sin-binned for a professional foul.
Gatt kept Malta’s hopes alive, forcing his way over beneath the posts in the 79th minute for his second try of the match. Sammut converted, but referee Oliver Maddock’s final whistle confirmed a two-point victory for Greece.
Malta caretaker head coach Kaine Dimech, who also took to the field, expressed disappointment while praising his players’ commitment.
“We’ve honoured the badge and the shirt. Now we’ll definitely be anxious as we watch Germany play Greece and we hope to hold our place in Group C,” he said.
Dimech highlighted the contributions of domestic player Jon Micallef, prop Joe Briggs and Robertson, while also praising Zarrin Galea and Gatt.
“Jon Jon Micallef really stepped up, he definitely brought a new dynamic and prowess in line running,” he said.
“Zarrin Galea and Josh Gatt, they ran the Greeks off the park for big parts of the match.”
Malta have completed their fixtures and must now await the final group match. A Greek victory over Germany by any margin would see the Germans relegated.
Match details
Competition: 2026 European Rugby League Championship, Group C
Result: Malta 18 Greece 20
Half-time: Malta 6 Greece 10
Malta tries: Xavier Mamo, Josh Gatt (2).
Malta conversions: Jarrod Sammut (3 from 3).
Greece tries: Sam Stratis 17’, Eddie Markopoulos (2, second try 62’), Tyrone Tsagalias.
Sin-bin: William Watts (Malta).
Referee: Oliver Maddock (England).
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