Neptunes winter champions after edging Sliema

Sliema Burger King 5
Neptunes Vodafone 6
(1-1, 2-3, 2-1, 0-1)

The prodigious scoring talents of John Soler were not enough to help Sliema inflict a second defeat on Neptunes in a deciding match for the Winter League title.

The Balluta team`s superior versatility, even if tempered by their proverbial low scoring rate on man-ups (one on five), proved beneficial in the end. They managed to win the title for the third time.

An evenly contested match saw both teams go for tight press and not surprisingly, there was little in it. The Blues` strong rearguard and Soler`s scoring skills were countered by Neptunes` faster swimming and ability to pounce on the break.

In any case, the lead kept alternating and it was evident that the slightest mistake or a moment of inspiration would decide the issue.

That came in Neptunes` favour, courtesy of John Licari with Sliema unable to fight back in the last five minutes.

Very tight press from both sides saw the teams unable to make any headway for almost the whole first session. Play remained unproductive until the latter stages when Matthew Pisani broke loose to give Neptunes the lead. Almost immediately Licari was expelled and instantly pulled up for interfering with his opponent`s free-throw. Soler converted the penalty throw.

The same Sliema player put his team ahead when converting a man-up early in the second quarter. The Reds again exploited a fast break this time through Karl Galea to level matters.

Soler`s menace was further underlined when he struck his third personal goal, Sliema`s third on four man-up sets.

Neptunes` wastefulness on extra man occasions was being made up for by their ability to sting on the counter.

But this time it was Niki Lanzon who netted off a beautiful backhand. Debono`s indecision gave Neptunes possession with the ball being passed to Galea who converted.

Soler kept tormenting Neptunes and a measured Paris pass had the Sliema player levelling matters after ends were changed. Another man-up for the Blues was fully capitalised by the usual Soler who beat Cachia off a cross pass.

Cutajar`s attentions on Neptunes` last man, particularly through front shielding, was very effective even if this drew some dissent from the Reds` faction.

It was evident that Neptunes banked on speed, while Sliema were drawing dividends on a sound platform backed by Soler`s opportunism.

An expulsion against Edward Cachia just before the end of the third session was wasted by the Blues. Another break proved to be fruitful for Neptunes as Malcolm Azzopardi had earlier made it 5-5.

In the last session the Blues brought on veteran Marco Manara.

At last Neptunes managed to convert the first man-up from four occasions, this time through Licari. This player was definitely expelled amid some dissent towards one of the referees.

In any case his goal after 104 seconds of the last session turned out to be the winner as the Blues` shortfall in steam and ideas could not help save the game. They contrived to squander a crucial last man-up.

At the end of the match Mr Ivan Filletti, on behalf of Farsons, presented the Winter League Cup to Anthony Cachia, Neptunes Vodafone captain.

Sliema: J. Cachia, J. Tabone, M. Manara, M. Galea Pace, P. Cachia, J. Soler (5), J. Paris, K. Engerer, C. Debono, F. Cutajar, I. Muscat, M. Psaila, E. Aquilina, K. Schembri, R. Coleiro.

Neptunes: A. Cachia, N. Lanzon (1), K. Grima Scott, K. Galea (2), E. Cachia, D. Camilleri, J. Licari (1), C. Zammit, N. Gouder, M. Azzopardi (1), I. Azzopardi, M. Stellini, M. Pisani (1), A. Arrigo, G. Sammut.

Refs: I. Sciriha, M. Ancilleri.