Neptunes in tricky test vs S. Giljan

Leaders Neptunes Vodafone have a tricky match this afternoon but second-placed Sliema Burger King should find little difficulty in bagging maximum spoils when playing less-fancied opponents.

Neptunes will be engaged in a Balluta Bay derby against neighbours San Giljan in the second match of today's programme.

Karl Izzo's men are still smarting from last week's 11-8 defeat to Sliema. That result threw the league wide open.

At present, the Reds are enjoying a two-point lead over Sliema and Sirens at the top of the standings. Surely, they cannot afford any other slip-ups to stay on pole for the honours.

In the corresponding first-round fixture, Neptunes overcame the challenge of San Giljan 17-5 with Steve Camilleri (6) and Niki Lanzon (5) netting most of the Reds' goals.

But San Giljan then lifted their game and went on to beat Sliema 5-4 on March 26. Another similar surprise result today could put the Saints in contention as they seek to pep up their preparations for the summer championship.

Sliema obtained a 16-4 win over Marsaxlokk in the first round and another good showing today will not only keep their title hopes alive but will also boost their morale ahead of next week's clash against Sirens.

Marsaxlokk were thumped 18-4 by Sirens last week. Perhaps the southerners' main target today will be to leave the National Pool with a more respectable scoreline as avoiding a sixth successive defeat looks to be beyond their modest capabilities.