Sliema, Neptunes to contest play-off for title
Sliema 17Sirens 12(4-1, 6-4, 4-2, 3-5) Sliema McDonald's disposed of Sirens Hard Rock Cafe to book a place in the final for first place after their 17-12 victory over the holders of the Winter League title. Following a brief opening spell, which had...
Sliema 17
Sirens 12
(4-1, 6-4, 4-2, 3-5)
Sliema McDonald's disposed of Sirens Hard Rock Cafe to book a place in the final for first place after their 17-12 victory over the holders of the Winter League title.
Following a brief opening spell, which had both teams locked on one goal apiece, the Blues took over when netting three quick goals late in the first session.
From then on, and despite Sirens pulling back a couple of goals, Sliema were in the driving seat, at one point in the third session taking a 14-6 lead.
However, the northerners kept battling, especially after the Blues opted to utilise their tail-enders. In fact, they fought back to close the gap on 15-12 before Sliema sealed the issue with two more goals.
Once again, John Soler was the catalyst with six goals for Sliema, followed by Mark Meli who netted four times.
Sliema Mc Donald's
J. Cachia, C. Gialanze 1, E. Aquilina 3, J. Gabaretta, M. Meli 4, J. Soler 6, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono 1, J. Valletta 1, J. Spiteri Staines, N. Lubrano, R. Coleiro.
Sirens Hard Rock Cafe
A. Grech, T. Debono, T. Galea 2, P. Privitera 2, P. Borg, R. Mock 1, J. Borg 3, D. Cutajar 2, R. Xerri, C. Mercieca 2, R. Attard, J. Sammut.
Referees M. Caruana, P. Balzan.
Neptunes 11
San Giljan 9
(3-2,1-1, 5-3, 2-3)
Neptunes Vodafone won their right to meet Sliema in the final for the pre-season final, being held today week, after edging gallant neighbours San Giljan 11-9.
The Reds had to fight hard for their spoils against unyielding opponents who fought all the way even when at one point late in the game, they were three goals adrift.
The feature of the match was San Giljan's Matthew Zammit. He netted five goals, one of which was of vintage quality. Apart from that, goalkeeper Dean Camilleri also stood out with a series of fine saves.
On their part, Neptunes had to rely on their grit and a slightly better man-up chart. Otherwise, their current form, even with Steve Camilleri yesterday back in the side, is not very convincing.
Neptunes Vodafone
N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 1, J. Camilleri 1, K. Galea 3, E. Cachia 1, K. Micallef, S. Camilleri 1, R. Attard, D. Camilleri, S. Gravina 1, J. Paris, M. Stellini 3, M. Pisani, R. Sciortino, D. Caruana.
San Giljan
D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri de Barro, A. Bianchi 1, M. Zammit 5, M. Pace, K. Grech, G. Ghirxi, E. Arrigo, P. Fava 1, J. Xerri de Caro 1, K. Lanzon 1.
Referees A. DeRaffaele, I. Sciriha.