The 2008 Division One title race is set for a defining moment this weekend as leaders Sliema McDonald's face Neptunes Vodafone in the plum fixture at the National Pool tomorrow.
The intense rivalry between Neptunes and Sliema has not waned one bit over the years as the two teams have been the protagonists of several exciting battles for major domestic honours. This season is no exception as the Blues are looking to deny Neptunes a third successive league title.
Igor Gocanin's men are well on course to reach their objective as they are currently top of the standings with a three-point lead over the Balluta Bay team. Victory tomorrow would put Sliema on the verge of their 30th league title as they would only need a point from their remaining three matches to be crowned champions.
Last week, Sliema maintained their 100 per cent record in the summer championship after brushing off the challenge of Sirens 9-6 to chalk up their ninth win from as many matches.
Hungarian Raymond Fodor and Jonathan Valletta were Sliema's top performers with a hat-trick each while Josie Cachia effected some excellent saves, including a penalty, to keep his side well in control against a rejuvenated Sirens team.
However, the Blues need to be firing on all cylinders against Neptunes as Sergio Afric's men seem to be back to their best following another comprehensive victory last weekend.
The Reds made light work of San Ġiljan as they cruised to a comfortable 16-3 win with Matthew Zammit, Anthony Dekker and Ivan Zanetic all netting a hat-trick.
Neptunes will certainly be hellbent on ending their rivals' impressive winning streak this season as they look to stay in the reckoning for the league title.
The other Division One match in programme this weekend is the clash between Sirens Centro Casalinga and San Ġiljan Tropicana Juices, two teams who have yet to pick up a point in the second phase.
Sirens trail leaders Sliema by a staggering seven points and their hopes of challenging for the title are remote. However, victory against San Ġiljan today and defeat for the leaders tomorrow could well see the St Paul's Bay team back in contention.
Marco Baldinotti's team showed a distinct improvement in their performance last weekend compared to their disappointing showing against Neptunes the previous week.
The Italian mentor will be hoping his players manage to pick up a valuable win against San Ġiljan that could well lift his team ahead of the final part of the season.
In the second division championship, Exiles will make a significant step towards lifting the title if they beat Marsaxlokk in today's opening match. Victory over the southerners would give the Sliema side a four-point lead at the top despite having played a game less than their rivals.
The other match of the weekend sees Marsascala starting firm favourites to take all points against bottom-placed Otters tomorrow.
Programme
Today: Division Two 6.15 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Exiles. Division One 7.30 p.m. Sirens vs San Ġiljan.
Tomorrow: Division Two 5.15 p.m. Marsascala vs Otters. Division One 6.30 p.m. Neptunes vs Sliema.