The 2008 BOV Winter League was a low-key affair so far but the final day of the pre-season tournament tomorrow should liven up the atmosphere as derby rivals Sliema McDonald's and Neptunes Vodafone will be clashing in a decisive match to determine the championship winner.

This year the ASA adopted a different format to the Winter League with the participating five teams figuring in a round robin first phase before the semi-finals.

Last week, Sliema eliminated 2007 tournament winners Sirens Hard Rock Cafe 17-12 and Neptunes had the better of valiant neighbours San Ġiljan 11-9.

Today's programme opens with the play-off for third place between Sirens and San Ġiljan at 5 p.m.

Judging from what we've seen so far it seems that the Saints look better-equipped, at least at this stage of the pre-season.

In last month's round robin match San Ġiljan beat Sirens 11-8 to finish third in the standings as the team from St Paul's Bay left it late to book their place in the last four.

Sliema have shown the better fare in the Winter League.

They won five consecutive matches to reach the final and were rarely threatened along the way as they disposed of all opposition in typical dominant fashion.

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