Neptunes 10
Sliema 11
(2-3, 0-2, 5-4, 3-2)

Sliema McDonald's were out to haunt Neptunes Vodafone again, something which they did with gusto and aplomb.

A gritty and disciplined display from the Blues pinned down their opponents, who in the end, must have acknowledged Sliema's edge in the determination, especially to make amends for their negative start to the season.

Sliema's deserved victory yesterday helped them join the Balluta team at the top.

Neptunes' undoing this time was there sloppy start and their inability to net vital goals in delicate moments on numerous extra man sets.

Sliema started like a whirlwind, scoring three quick goals through Raymond Fodor (2) and Jonathan Valletta before Neptunes hit back twice through Aljosa Kunac.

The press cover, especially from Sliema, prevailed in the second session as both sets of supporters roared their favourites on.

Sliema showed more grit while Neptunes started fumbling crucial man-ups. The Blues managed to open a 5-2 advantage as Bogdan Rath netted on a penalty and a quickly taken shot on a free-throw. Sliema had a couple of players hanging on exclusion, one of whom was John Soler.

The third session had more drama in store with Sliema taking more man up chances and the Reds paying the penalty for some profligacy again on their opponents' more numerous exclusions.

There was a spate of goals with Sliema holding on to their lead thanks to conversions from Mark Meli, Rath, John Brownrigg and Clint Debono.

Despite their missed opportunities, the Reds outdid the champions in this session when scoring five times, twice each from Leo Sottani and Matthew Pisani and the other from Karl Galea. But it was a 9-7 lead for Sliema before the last session started.

With more Sliema players on two exclusions, but with Sergio Afric making shrewd use of his units, the match kept brewing with excitement.

The Blues' determination to keep their opponents at bay was countered by Neptunes' failure to provide the sting despite Afric's team having their resources almost depleted.

Valletta made it 10-7 with Steve Camilleri managing his only goal from a penalty. But Rath continued to torment the Balluta team with his fourth goal to make it 11-8 with 95 seconds to go.

Neptunes' two goals in the dying seconds were of no relevance except for statistics.

Before the start of the match, former ASA president Robert Ebejer, who stepped down from the post last month, was presented a memento by president Austin Sammut in recognition of his sterling service Ebejer rendered to the association between 1978-2009.

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 1, T. Agius, K. Galea 1, E. Cachia, R. Sciortino, S. Camilleri 1, J. Camilleri, A. Kunac 3, S. Gravina, L. Sottani 2, M. Stellini, M. Pisani 2.

Sliema: J. Cachia, J. Gabaretta, N. Lubrano, R. Fodor 2, M. Meli 1, J. Soler, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono 1, J. Valletta 2, M. Rizzo, B. Rath 4, R. Coleiro.

Refs: M. Angilleri, D. Bianco.

Marsascala 19
Otters 6
(4-2, 4-1, 5-3, 6-0)

Marsascala: I. Bugeja, P. Borg 2, J.C. Cutajar, M. Borg 2, G. Ghirxi, I. Grixti, J. Licari 1, J. Cremona 1, S. Micallef, R. Cutajar 2, S. Botond 6, D. Suti 5, S. Farrugia.

Otters: R. Grech, D. Saliba, G. Zammit, S. Dimech, D. Caruana, P. Szabo 2, C. Scicluna, K. Dato 1, C. Martin, L. Cachia 2, A. Arrigo 1, M. Tabone, E. Farrugia.

Refs: M. Caruana, A. De Raffaele.

San Giljan Tournament

Three Dutch sides and a team from Italy will be taking part in this year's tournament at San Giljan, also featuring an event for women with the participation of a team from the host club and one from Sirens.

The teams from Holland will be KZC (men and women) and De Robben. Bologna play in the Italian league.

The opening fixtures are scheduled for tomorrow, the first one at 4 p.m. The competition winds up with the decisive matches on Wednesday.

Tomorrow: (women) 4 p.m. Sirens vs San Giljan. (Men) 5 p.m. KZC vs Bologna; 6 p.m. De Robben vs San Giljan.