In the slightest of marginal victories in the Pageant’s history Katrina Muscat was on Saturday night crowned the 2009 Miss Malta Knight before a gala evening at Club Marconi in Sydney and describes the moment as a highlight of her life.

An Account Executive, the 24-year-old Mount Vernon resident scored a one point decision over Emma Attard from Woronora Heights and with shock setting in, only realised her feat when family and friends began cheering the judge’s decision.

“I was very shocked to be crowned Miss Malta Knight, I was so numb when they announced it”

“It didn’t register it was me until I saw my proud parents, family & friends jumping and screaming and then I realised it was me” she says excitedly.

Muscat, whose parents hail from the villages of Hamrun and Zebbiegh in Malta, lists wanting to make a difference as a priority in her life.

“I can’t wait to get on board and start making a difference in helping the MRL with their mission in making the 2013 Rugby League World Cup”

“It feels so rewarding to be able to contribute and give something back to the Maltese community and to make a difference”

To complement the unyielding talent of the nine contestants, a tied result lead contestants to re-cast their votes in closing a final unanimous decision that saw Kincumber’s Kristy Dawson take out the event’s Miss Congeniality crown.

Dawson said "Being awarded Miss Congeniality blew me away. It's an amazing feeling to know that the girls regard me as a friendly and approachable person”

“Being part of the Miss Malta Knight Pageant has also made me really proud of my Maltese background"

Ashley Clews from Eastern Creek dedicated her Miss Charity title to those close to the 19-year-old, “I was lucky that so many of my friends and family attended the function and bought raffle tickets which contributed to my win as Miss Charity”

On a splendid evening led by Master of Ceremonies and Fat Pizza star Pauly Fenech, exciting young performers Brooke and Tayla Azzopardi wowed the audience with their on stage talents before nine young women of Maltese heritage including a recent Gozitan migrant to Australia took to the catwalk in a host of stunning formal and leisure wears to challenge for the ultimate title of 2009 Miss Malta Knight.

Following the judges’ decision that will see the winner travel to Malta later this year thanks to Malta Travel at Pendle Hill, an amazed Katrina Muscat said “I’m so surprised”

Praising her fellow contestants Muscat said “All the girls were stunning”

17-year-old runner-up Emma Attard commended the Pageant for the experience it had provided her, “The Miss Malta Knight Pageant was a really great opportunity for me to get involved in the Maltese community”

“As the youngest in the competition I was very fortunate to be involved in such an amazing experience and I can't wait to become more involved with the organisation"

Along with a host of Maltese community dignitaries in attendance including Malta Consul General to NSW Miss Annamaria Bonnici, The Honourable Mr John Aquilina MP praised the MRL for their efforts in engaging the youth of the Maltese community through its commitment as the official governing body for Maltese Rugby League.

The gala evening also saw a number of valuable memorabilia items go under the hammer, with a framed 2009 Parramatta Eels jersey claiming top honours at the auction.