Neptunes and Sirens share points in close duel

Neptunes and Sirens were the protagonists of a closely-fought duel which had fortunes fluctuating before the spoils were finally shared yesterday. It was a match which had the crowd on edge given the commitment of both sets of players and their tactical disposition.

Sirens lifted off well and had their opponents chasing the scoreline until about two minutes into the third session. Suddenly, the Balluta Bay team found their scoring touch and from 2-3 down they took a 5-3 advantage.

However, a series of missed man-up sets (they only netted one from seven), let the fighting Sirens off the hook. They regrouped themselves mentally and finally managed to make up the two-goal leeway before both teams went close to snatching victory.

Sirens drew ahead through Chris Cauchi. Stellini lost an open chance before Charles Zammit equalised.

In the second session a hesitant Farrugia was denied by Gouder only for Montfort to pot on a man-up.

Neptunes lost another chance on a break by Brownrigg and paid dearly as Mario Zammit made it 3-1. The excellent Stellini hit a great shot to reduce the gap to 3-2.

In the third quarter Neptunes suddenly found their steam and three goals from Zammit (2) and Stellini gave them a 5-3 advantage.

Sirens never gave up but at this point Edward Cachia and Gouder for Neptunes stood out. With the Reds missing more man-up opportunities, Sirens drew in their last reserves of mental strength and David Cutajar converted the second of three man-ups his team had to close the gap to 5-4.

Excitement grew as the seconds ticked away. Neptunes lost two vital man-ups but by then Sirens had managed to equalise through the in-form Cauchi.

San Giljan, on their part, made sure of starting the second phase of the competition at the top of the Second Division standings when they beat Exiles to end on equal points with the Sliema team.

With the head-to-head clash ending in the Saints' favour, the pole position went their way.

Warren Debono's team had a steady first two sessions and took a 4-0 lead. Exiles tried to fight back but could only come to within two goals as David Pace Lupi and Martin Calleja reduced the gap in the third session.

The last quarter had San Giljan setting up an efficient block which prevented Exiles from redressing the situation. Clive Bonello had made it 5-2 before Calleja again cut down the leeway to 5-3.

Neptunes 5
Sirens 5
(1-1, 1-2, 3-0, 0-2)

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon, S. Camilleri, K. Galea, E. Cachia, J. Brownrigg, S. Gravina, C. Zammit (3), David Camilleri, M. Azzopardi, Dean Camilleri, M. Stellini (2), M. Pisani.

Sirens: J.C. Dingli, N. Imbroll, J. Rizzo Naudi, M. Zammit (1), C. Cauchi (2), J. Valletta, J. Borg, D. Cutajar (1), K. Montfort (1), W. Degiorgio, C. Mercieca, J. Farrugia, N. Cassar, R. Attard, A. Tanti.

Refs: M. Ancilleri, P. Balzan.

San Giljan 5
Exiles 3
(1-0, 3-0, 0-2, 1-1)

San Giljan: K. Schembri, K. D' Ugo, S. Mercieca, C. Bonello (1), P. Cachia, M. Zammit (1), I. Azzopardi, J. Camilleri, G. Farrugia (3), A. Borda, S. Borg, M. Pace, K. Grima Scott, J. Spiteri.

Exiles: A. Grech, M. Grima, M. Zarb, D.P. Lupi (1), T. Sullivan, K. Camilleri, D. Sullivan, J. Cremona, J.J. Tabone, K. Rizzo Naudi, A. Arrigo, J. Vella, M. Calleja (2), J. Cuschieri.

Refs: I. Sciriha, A. De Raffaele.