Sliema's late burst downs Neptunes

Neptunes 8
Sliema 11
(2-2, 4-2, 2-3, 0-4)

A decisive burst in the last quarter, mainly powered by the dependable Edward Aquilina, saw Sliema Burger King outsmart Neptunes Vodafone to open up the race for the Wilkinson Sword Winter League title after the Reds' four-point lead at the top of the table was trimmed down to two.

A sizeable crowd turned up at Tal-Qroqq National Pool to watch these main rivals of the local game battle it out. It was the Blues' last chance to bounce back into contention for this pre-season honour. And they were on the mark.

As is customary, the contest was hard-fought, with neither team showing any clear supremacy over the other except for Aquilina's hat-trick salvo in that last session after he had earlier netted on a break.

Without Karl Galea, Neptunes could only fire on one central piston, that of John Brownrigg. Nevertheless they conducted the game, scorewise, for all but 27 minutes. They had also taken a two-goal lead on three occasions. However, the Blues fought back every time to keep within striking distance of their opponents.

Both teams lost several chances on extra-man sets, with Neptunes' wastefulness in this respect, especially in the late stages, also contributing to their downfall.

In the end, Sliema, who paraded the former Neptunes and Marsascala player Christian Gialanze, were full worth their 11-8 victory, a result which atoned for their heavy first-round 17-11 defeat at the hands of the Reds.

The Blues' fighting spirit and Aquilina's knack of scoring at the right moment with two perfect lobs and a snap shot, rewarded their efforts.

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 2, T. Agius, K. Farrugia, E. Cachia, J. Brownrigg 1, S. Camilleri 4, L. Attard, D. Camilleri, S. Gravina, A. Sammut, M. Stellini 1, M. Pisani.

Sliema: J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, E. Aquilina 4, G. Gabbarretta, M. Meli 1, J. Soler 2, D. Paolella, M. Rizzo 1, C. Debono 1, F. Cutajar 2, R. Scerri, A. Bianchi, R. Coleiro.

Refs: P. Balzan, I. Sciriha.

Sirens 18
Marsaxlokk 4
(7-0, 3-1, 5-1, 3-2)

2X Sirens joined Sliema in second place of the league standings, two points behind Neptunes, after the expected 'execution' of Marsaxlokk Freeport in yesterday's second match of the winter competition.

The 'no-contest' tag attached to this match was distinctly clear from the very beginning as the southerners conceded seven goals in the opening session.

Sirens' propulsive qualities and scoring power were too hot for Marsaxlokk to handle even allowing for Warren Debono's team to go for using up the 30-second possession period.

Despite an eventual drop in the scoring rate and Sirens' option to make use of all their tailenders, the match remained one-sided all the way, never mind the poker netted by Marsaxlokk.

Sirens: J. Caruana Dingli, A. Grech, K. Rizzo Naudi 1, P. Privitera 1, I. Martins 1, J. Valletta 4, J. Borg 2, D. Cutajar 2, K. Montfort 3, C. Zammit 1, C. Mercieca 1, R. Attard, N. Cassar 2.

Marsaxlokk: R. Bonnici, S. Cachia 2, R. Calleja 1, A. Farrugia, N. Kerr, C. Bugeja, C. Jones, S. Cutajar, E. Pisani, F. Testa, D. Cassar 1, J. Vella, D. Debono.

Refs: A. De Raffaele, R. Spiteri.