Sliema 6
Neptunes 5
(3-1, 1-1, 1-0, 1-3)

When Sliema Burger King come up against Neptunes Vodafone, they are invariably super-committed.

It was no exception yesterday. Their hero this time was ex-Neptunes player John Paris, whose five goals in a 6-5 victory enabled his team to go joint-top of the table.

The Blues had a further incentive to draw maximum spoils following Sirens' surprise defeat against Marsascala on Saturday.

The title which they won for the last two seasons, was a distinct possibility if only they could overcome their rivals' challenge.

This they did chiefly through the exploits of veteran Paris, but Neptunes were to blame for their lack of disciplined play especially when having several exclusions for retaliation, particularly those from Michele Stellini.

Another flaw in Neptunes game which has become endemic, is their tottering mechanism on man-up sets. Yesterday, they could only convert their very first one from seven occasions.

That proved costly for the Reds not so much for again ending on the wrong side of the scoreline, as for writing a definite finis to their otherwise slim hopes of winning the league title, which has now eluded them since 1993.

In the meantime, it will very probably be a showdown between the Blues and Sirens.

Both sides went for press with Neptunes eyeing the opposing centre with front cover.

The Blues replied in the same manner at the other end. The Reds netted their first man-up through Zammit, but so did Sliema when Paris converted twice from the right for a 2-1 lead.

The Reds wasted a break and the trailing Paris made it a hat-trick midway through the opening session.

With Galea out, Sliema missed their chance of making it 4-1.

However, it was evident at least at this stage that the Blues were better equipped mentally and tactically to outwit their opponents.

Indeed, Neptunes were looking sheepish against Sliema, who turned to zone cover, luring the Reds into speculative pots at goal.

Galea and Falzon missed easy point-blank chances. So did Soler in between. With James Falzon out, the Reds failed to reduce the deficit.

A well-rehearsed set when Falzon was out, extended the Blues' lead, with Aquilina flicking in. Azzopardi netted from an angle to narrow the gap to 4-2.

But somehow, Neptunes were not driving forcefully enough inside the opposing four-metre area to breach Sliema's zone. Nor was their shifting of the ball rapid enough. In any case, Sliema were closing their ranks effectively.

Neptunes missed their third man-up after ends were changed. Lanzon broke but again messed up the opening. Sliema were relieved as another extra-man set for the Reds went abegging.

Stellini again foolishly retaliated and was excluded, leaving Paris with a chance to make it 5-2. The tale of missed chances on man-ups continued for Neptunes as they wasted another two.

That had a demoralising effect on their team, apart from Sliema's ability to marshal their defensive forces extremely well. Sliema then failed to exploit their second from five man-ups.

For once an accurate pass enabled the unmarked Lanzon to reduce the gap. Soon after the last restart, Sliema again missed when Lanzon was out.

Neptunes' top-scorer made it 5-4 with five minutes to go. It looked set for a close finish.

However, Paris again capitalised on Neptunes' frailties on the left to convert their eighth man-up. Neptunes sensed that the Blues' energies were draining and Azzopardi closed the gap to 6-5 with three minutes left. It was cat and mouse at this stage with the result very uncertain.

But Stellini was fouled out, only for the Blues to squander their fifth set on nine man-ups.

With 4.9 seconds left, Neptunes had their seventh man-up. The Blues survived that situation to end up winners, again by the odd-goal.

Sliema: J. Cachia, N. Falzon, E. Aquilina (1), M. Galea Pace, J. Falzon, J. Soler, J. Paris (5), K. Engerer, C. Debono, F. Cutajar, R. Coleiro, I. Muscat, A. Bianchi.

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon (2), S. Camilleri, K. Galea, E. Cachia, J. Brownrigg, S. Gravina, C. Zammit (1), David Camilleri, M. Azzopardi (2), Dean Camilleri, M. Stellini, M. Pisani.

Refs: P. Balzan, M. Vecchio.