Derby rivals seek to stay on trek for title showdown

Neptunes Vodafone, who led the standings for most of the time this summer, are faced with a tricky situation this evening. They face Go Mobile Sirens bidding to reach next week's decisive derby un-scathed and still level on points with Sliema Burger King.

The champions are back to their true form and look strong enough to beat Marsascala Breakers tomorrow. However, the southerners are no team to be taken lightly as Sliema themselves experienced after the upset on July 18. That 6-3 loss had temporarily derailed the Blues' ambition of a record-equalling four successive national championships.

In their previous match, Neptunes were back to winning ways after shrugging aside the derby loss to Sliema the week before by beating Marsascala who found it hard to cope without the presence of injured Paul Privitera in the team.

Certainly, this has been a season to forget for Pierre Borg's team. They only managed one win from their 'big' matches so far even though some youngsters did leave their mark and look a solid base on which the club can build for the future.

Sirens were expected to reserve their energy for the remaining three matches in the championship but fumbled badly on Sunday as Sliema proved to be stronger in all departments, the team led by Sergio Afric coasting home to a comprehensive 9-4 win.

Sirens, on 18 points, are now out of reckoning for the league title, leaving the race exclusively for great sporting antagonists Neptunes and Sliema, both currently on the 22-point mark, with only two matches to go.

Weekend Programme

Today: Division Two 5.30 p.m. Marsaxlokk Freeport vs Exiles RMF. Division One 6.30 p.m. Go Mobile Sirens vs Neptunes Vodafone.

Tomorrow: Division Two 5.30 p.m. Otters vs Ta' Xbiex M. Paradise. Division One 6.30 p.m. Marsascala Breakers vs Sliema Burger King.