Stalemate in thrilling contest
Neptunes 4Sliema 4(2-2, 0-0, 1-1, 1-1)\nA typically heart-throbbing encounter between Neptunes Vodafone and Sliema McDonald's ended all square, with the Reds retaining their two-point lead over the Blues at the top of the table. Although it was a...
Neptunes 4
Sliema 4
(2-2, 0-0, 1-1, 1-1)
\nA typically heart-throbbing encounter between Neptunes Vodafone and Sliema McDonald's ended all square, with the Reds retaining their two-point lead over the Blues at the top of the table.
Although it was a low-scoring affair, the sizeable crowd at Tal-Qroqq savoured the fighting spirit of both teams, as Sliema recovered from two defeats, while Neptunes managed to overcome the handicap of having to play without their stalwart Steve Camilleri who was forced to retire injured at a crucial stage of the game.
But the Balluta team only had themselves to blame for not winning the match. Apart from a horrendous one-on-ten man-up scoring rate, they also squandered several chances when in an ideal situation.
Sliema, though, must be commended for their excellent marshalling at the back as well as for their opportunism when grabbing most of the chances that came their way.
David Camilleri gave the Reds the lead and Michele Stellini made it 2-0. The Reds paid dearly after wasting their first man-up as Edward Aquilina reduced the gap.
Mark Meli equalised as the exchanges kept gathering momentum. Cover at either end shifted rapidly from press to double on the centre, with both teams rotating their men in the hole. After the first restart, Neptunes fluffed a second man advantage, only to miss two more similar sets. The game kept brewing as both sets of supporters spurred on their favourites.
A misplaced pass on a Sliema break cost the chance of a Blues' third goal. A goalless second session, even if brimful of exciting play, kept the teams on an even keel at the halfway mark.
Neptunes also failed to convert a momentary two-man numerical advantage and paid dearly as Clint Debono shot the Blues in front on 3-2 midway through the third session.
David Camilleri levelled at 3-3, the only time Neptunes profited from a man-up situation.
Steve Camilleri then missed from in front of goal. Towards the end of this session, an irate Steve Camilleri, blood streaming down his face, had to abandon the game. He was also seen remonstrating with the referee, presumably claiming some harsh treatment from an opponent.
John Brownrigg, replacing the other useful centre Karl Galea, injured, was then guilty of an incredible miss as he failed to convert with only Josie Cachia to beat.
Neptunes again frittered a man-up, with the Blues once more closing their ranks expertly.
Sliema gained a penalty which Tamas Varga converted. With the Reds remaining wasteful on extra-man sets, the Blues grew in confidence even if they had three men hanging on two personal faults. But Matthew Pisani made amends with under two minutes left to level matters. It had been exciting in those final stages with both teams failing to exploit sets following time-outs. The stalemate thus prevailed amid the apparent satisfaction of both factions.
Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon, G. Sammut, J. Brownrigg, V. Vujasinovic, S. Camilleri, L. Attard, D. Camilleri 2, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini 1, M. Pisani 1.
Sliema: J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, E. Aquilina 1, M. Rizzo, M. Meli 1, J. Soler, T. Varga 1, J. Valletta, C. Debono 1, F. Cutajar, D. Paolella, A. Bianchi, R. Coleiro.
Refs: A. Rovida, I. Sciriha.
Division Two - Exiles, Ta' Xbiex share the spoils
Exiles 13
Ta' Xbiex 13
(3-4, 5-3, 4-1, 1-5)
Exiles and Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise shared the spoils in an exciting duel which saw fortunes ebb and flow with both teams, particularly Ta' Xbiex, neutralising three- or four-goal deficits.
French player Aurelien Cousin, who netted eight times, was inspirational for Dirk Dowling's team and he looked a good bet to swing the contest in favour of Exiles.
But Ta' Xbiex, who had veteran Roman Polacik also in fine scoring mood, fought back, with two late goals coming from the other seasoned campaigner Dorian Pisani, scorer of a hat-trick.
Ta' Xbiex started well and took a 4-1 lead but Exiles recovered before they opened an 8-5 advantage. Aldo Scerri's outfit battled back to equalise before another four-goal spurt again restored a comfortable advantage for the Sliema team.
Once more, Ta' Xbiex recouped to level matters before one goal at either end kept the status quo.
Exiles: N. Imbroll, K. Rizzo Naudi, M. Zarb 1, D. Pace Lupi 1, T. Sullivan, J. Paris 2, G. Desira Buttigieg, J. Cremona, K. Grixti, A. Cousin 8, S. Vassallo, A. Borg Cole, M. Calleja 1.
Ta' Xbiex: A. Tanti, C. Sciortino, M. Manara 1, M. Galea Pace 2, C. D'Ugo, K. Sciortino, M. Camilleri, R. Polacik 5, J. Tabone, K. Engerer, P. Paolella 1, J. Vella 1, D. Pisani 3.
Refs: M. Caruana, A. DeRaffaele.
U-19: Sirens vs Marsascala 23-3.
Friday: U-19 5 p.m. Neptunes vs Sirens. Division Two 6.15 p.m. Exiles vs Marsaxlokk. Division One 7.30 p.m. San Giljan vs Sliema.
Saturday: U-19 4.30 p.m. Sliema vs Exiles. Division Two 5.45 p.m. Marsascala vs Otters. Division One 7 p.m. Neptunes vs Sirens.