GREECE have been crowned the inaugural Australian Mediterranean Four Nations Shield champions with a commanding 34-14 victory over Italy at Marconi Stadium, last Saturday night.
The Steve Georgallis-coached team backed up their demolition of Portugal in week one of the tournament with a wire-to-wire win in the final with Super League front rower Michael Korkidas and Wests Tigers' stalwart John Skandalis leading from the front.
Greece lock Jamie Theoharous was voted player of the tournament, while second rower Nick Nikitaras got players' player for the Greece team. Newcastle Knights star Cameron Ciraldo was the best for the Italy team crossing for two tries in the decider.
Meanwhile, the Jarrad Sammut-led Maltese team were far too strong for a disappointing Portuguese outfit in the Aus-Med Shield Plate final, winning 62-6. The Penrith Panthers' NRL star Sammut scored 26 points courtesy of a hat-trick of tries and seven goals.