Victory over Sirens lands Blues 27th title

Sirens 7
Sliema 8
(2-3, 2-1, 2-3, 1-1)

Success has become a byword for Sliema Burger King. The name of their sponsors befits them as they are once more kings of the domestic game. Yesterday they struck gold once again in the shape of league titles, the 27th championship success in the history of the club and their fifth title in the last seven years.

After Neptunes defeated Marsascala on Saturday to draw level with Sliema on points, it was imperative for the Blues to pick at least a point at the expense of Sirens to make sure the coveted prize would go their way.

The pressure was on them, more so when one considers that the St Paul's Bay team are an accomplished outfit which may not have fully utilised their tactical options this season. Nevertheless, Sliema knew that their opponents were capable of upsetting any team's applecart.

That notwithstanding, Sergio Afric's lads managed to ride the psychological storm brought about by pressure and with a fighting display in consonance with their lofty pedigree, they completed the task they had set their sights on.

It was Sliema's sixth successive victory which helped them maintain a clean slate after they lost five points in the preliminary round. Their recovery after being at one time four points adrift of Neptunes reflects the character and unshakeable spirit their players are made of. Their skills, of course, complemented their fighting qualities.

The game itself turned out to be a palpitating affair, watched by a good crowd. Zone shielding by Sirens obliterated the Blues' chances for a realistic pot at goal early on.

Jonathan Valletta converted a penalty and netted a second following a personal action. Sliema responded with two goals within a minute, through Clint Debono from a distant shot and Kurt Engerer on a man-up. Edward Aquilina put the champions ahead with the complicity of Joe Caruana Dingli, who allowed his shot to squirm softly under his arm.

Sirens remained on zone cover in the second session, Chris Cauchi equalised from a man-up but Francesco Cutajar, one of Sliema's best players, beat a misplaced Caruana Dingli with a lob. A snap shot on a cross-pass had Paul Privitera equalising, a goal which meant that the Sirens' player kept up his record of scoring in every league match.

For the first time this year, Privitera was venturing in the hole to relieve either Cauchi or Valletta. The latter's feeble shot deceived Josie Cachia for a 5-4 Sirens lead. Three goals from Sliema and another from Sirens, all within 70 seconds, put the Blues again in front on 7-6. Caruana Dingli was twice caught napping, although Privitera's goal came from a controversial decision which suddenly shifted possession.

There was everything to play for in the last session. Sliema's men in the hole were more menacing and Paris did the trick when evading Privitera's clutches to make it 8-7 with 4:33 to go. Sirens went for press and tension grew to a crescendo. The crowd loved it even if the faint-hearted must have suffered considerably.

The St Paul's Bay team lost a crucial man-up in the last minute, their third from five occasions and with that the Sliema fans went into a delirium of delight.

The cheering and chanting grew even further as the Seven-Up Cup was presented to the Sliema captain Patrick Cachia, who, ironically, was not utilised for this match. That mattered little. The Blues were again on the highest perch.

Sirens had given them a good run for their money and many thought that the team, under the charge of Guzi Attard, was better disposed tactically. But the honours of the day were reserved for Sliema as they continued with victory celebrations on their way to Ghar-id-Dud.

Sirens: J. Caruana Dingli, C. Debarro, K. Rizzo Naudi, P. Privitera (2), C. Cauchi (1), J. Valletta (3), J. Borg, D. Cutajar, K. Montfort, W. Degiorgio, N. Imbroll, J. Farrugia, N. Cassar (1).

Sliema: J. Cachia, N. Falzon, M. Manara, M. Galea Pace, P. Cachia, J. Soler (1), J. Paris (1), K. Engerer (1), C. Debono (2), F. Cutajar (1), K. Schembri, I. Muscat (1), E. Aquilina (1).

Referees: P. Balzan, E. Costa.