Neptunes ease off to big win

San Ġiljan 5
Neptunes 15
(1-5, 1-2, 1-4, 2-4)

Played in front of almost empty stands, the match between Neptunes Vodafone and San Ġiljan Tropicana Juices developed into a tedious monologue, with the Reds easing off to a comfortable 15-5 victory to make the platonic second spot in the table their own.

Neptunes were absolute masters in a match which, understandably, failed to whip up any interest as the gap in class was too wide and, in any case, the championship issue had been resolved.

It was a succession of goals by the Balluta team who, despite playing at half pace for long stretches, kept punishing their depleted opponents till the very end.

Neptunes took off solidly to build a 5-1 advantage by the end of the first session.

Their speed in their attacking phase had no answer from the Saints who were at their wits' end trying to find an opening through their opposing rearguard when in possession.

Despite being without the injured Matthew Zammit and leaving out some of their established players in the second session, Neptunes remain in command even if they increased their lead marginally.

By the end of the second session, Michele Stellini's sharpness helped him find the net three times.

Back in full force, the Reds consolidated their cushion when opening a lead of 11-3 at the end of the third quarter. The Saints, without the indisposed Vladimir Kretkovic, despite being in the start list, could do little to worry some of the Reds' tailenders in the last session.

Oddly enough, the Saints goalkeeper Dean Camilleri was utilised as an outside man and managed to score his side's fifth goal.

San Ġiljan
D. Camilleri 1, C. Spiteri de Barro 2, R. Gospodinov 1, E. Arrigo, A. Bianchi, V. Kretkovic, M. Pace, A. Borda, P. Fava, J. Xerri de Caro 1, K. Lanzon.

Neptunes
N. Gouder, A. Dekker 1, M. Aleksic 3, K. Galea 2, E. Cachia, J. Camilleri 1, J. Paris 1, I. Zanetic 1, D. Camilleri, N. Lanzon 1, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini 3, M. Pisani 2.

Referees: I. Sciriha, A. Robida.

Marsaxlokk 17
Otters 9
(2-0, 6-4, 2-3, 7-2)

The second division programme came to a close yesterday when Marsaxlokk Freeport collected both points at the expense of Otters.

The result ensured the southseasiders of the runners-up spot in the standings.

Despite Otters' resolve to keep battling, a five-goal flying start by Ian Azzopardi's team could never be neutralised. At one point, during the third session, the Gozitans managed to trim the leeway to just one goal but Marsaxlokk soon regained control as Dmitry Vankevich kept hitting the target to reach a total of six.

Although on the losing end, Peter Szabo succeeded in emulating that tally.

Marsaxlokk
R. Bonnici, S. Cachia 1, G. Attard 1, A. Farrugia, E. Bonello 1, C. Bugeja, D. Schembri 1, D. Vankevich 6, S. Frolov 3, K. Grima Scott 2, G. Ghirxi, M. Zammit 2, M. Buttigieg.

Otters
R. Grech, D. Saliba, G.M. Zammit 1, S. Scerri, B. Szabo, P. Szabo 6, K. Mizzi 1, J. Vella 1, G. Xuereb, F. Bajada, T. Simon, M. Tabone, E. Farrugia.

Referees: M. Caruana, A. de Raffaele.

Division one KO draws

Wednesday, September 3: 6.45 p.m. San Ġiljan vs Sliema.

Thursday, September 4: 6.45 p.m. Neptunes vs Sirens.

Final: Sunday, September 7.

Next fixtures

Friday:
Division Two KO 5.30 p.m. Exiles vs Otters.
Division One 6.45 p.m. San Ġiljan vs Sirens.

Saturday:
U-19 4 p.m. Exiles vs Sirens.
Division Two KO 5.15 p.m. Marsascala vs Ta' Xbiex.
Division One 6.30 p.m. Neptunes vs Sliema.