With Sirens Hard Rock Cafe out of the reckoning for the Wilkinson Sword League title, the onus is now on Sliema McDonald's to keep the interest alive until the final week of the championship.

For the Blues to stay in contention and within striking distance of leaders Neptunes Vodafone, they must win their match against Sirens this evening.

Sirens faltered badly last week, going down to a 14-3 defeat to a rampant Neptunes side who were ably marshalled by ace Vladimir Vujasinovic.

That upset ended Sirens' hopes of challenging for the title as they are now five points adrift of the leaders in third place with only two matches to go.

The team from St Paul's Bay had lost their previous two encounters against Neptunes this summer but many expected a stiffer challenge from them last weekend.

Today, Sirens will be trying to make amends for their lacklustre showing against Neptunes and restore some lost pride ahead of the KO competition by winning their match against Sliema.

Last week, Sliema did well to keep their concentration in a nervy match against San Giljan. The Saints were 5-2 down when they had chief goal-getter Matthew Zammit dismissed without substitution early in the second session. He was banned two matches in midweek.

Sliema, for whom the U-14 and U-17 teams secured the national waterpolo titles in their respective categories yesterday, went on to beat San Giljan 14-6 to stay two points behind Neptunes. The latter, however, could celebrate their 18th national league a few days in advance if results go their way this weekend.

In fact, if Sliema fail to win today and Neptunes beat San Giljan tomorrow, the Reds will be mathematically sure of finishing on top of the standings. That would reduce the August 25 derby, a potential title decider, into a mere formality.

Neutral waterpolo enthusiasts will be keeping their fingers crossed that the title race goes to the wire as a Neptunes-Sliema showdown would surely make for an exciting finale to the league season.