Rivals Neptunes, Sliema go head-to-head

Champions 2X Sirens have a crucial match today while an acid test awaits leaders Neptunes Vodafone tomorrow as the race for the title reaches a potentially decisive stage this week at Tal-Qroqq.

Sirens suffered their second defeat of the season at the hands of Neptunes last week (7-9) and anything less than a victory today against San Giljan Zara could spell big trouble for the St Paul's Bay team.

Sirens should be commended for their resilient gameplan against Neptunes as they played the whole match without their foreign player Tamas Marcz. The Hungarian powerhouse is almost certain to miss today's encounter after being struck down by shoulder muscle pain that could also spell finis to his summer adventure in Maltese waterpolo.

The main focus, however, is on tomorrow's clash between big rivals Neptunes and Sliema Burger King.

With slick Hungarian Tibor Benedek in their ranks, Sliema are proving to be the most prolific team in attack this summer. But they will have to be wary of the next challenge as Neptunes, who are enjoying a two-point lead at the top, will surely not forfeit their advantage so easily at this stage of the championship.

A 13-year wait to be crowned champions is indeed a long time for a club of Neptunes' stature. For Neptunes to achieve their goal this year, they must strengthen their current headway in the standings at the expense of their direct rivals.

Sliema emerged victorious from the Preliminary Round match last month, winning 15-12. Tomorrow, regular goalkeeper Josie Cachia should regain his place in the Sliema goal after missing the match against San Giljan due to an injury.

Last Friday, Sirens played admirably and led Neptunes for most of the match. Besides the Marcz handicap, they had all-rounder Paul Privitera sidelined for some time during the match.

Today, the champions will have coach John Farrugia back on the bench after serving a ban but he will have to encourage his lads to show the same type of determined play against San Giljan to stay in the hunt.

Objectives reached, San Giljan are playing under no particular pressure but Joe Attard's team will be better off if they forget all about their last outing which they lost 20-11. Against Sliema, they were simply non-starters and their performance was a far cry from their previous sturdy showings.

Fixtures

Today
6 p.m. Ta' Xbiex vs Marsaxlokk
7.15 p.m. Sirens vs San Giljan.

Tomorrow
6 p.m. Otters vs Exiles
7.15 p.m. Sliema vs Neptunes.