Sliema aim to gain slight edge in tight race

Sliema McDonald's will go two points clear of arch-rivals Neptunes Emirates if they emerge victorious from their match against Sirens Ritter Sports this evening at the National Pool.

With Neptunes not due in the water before Saturday, Sliema are surely relishing the chance to turn up the heat on the Balluta Bay outfit who last weekend rejoined the Blues at the top of the Division One standings with a 17-5 demolition of Sirens.

For many years, Sirens were bracketed among the top guns of Maltese waterpolo but a challenge for the league title looks beyond them this year as the St Paul's Bay side trail the leading duo by a massive nine points.

While Sirens slumped to their fourth defeat of the season against Neptunes, Sliema extended their unbeaten run to eight matches with a 14-11 victory over Exiles Jet Services with Mark Meli scoring four goals for the defending champions.

Although their title chances have long disappeared, Sirens still have a lot to play for as they are engaged in a three-way fight with Exiles and San Ġiljan Firetech to avoid bottom place in the standings. At present, the three teams are level on six points but Exiles have played a game more.

The pressure on Sirens to get their act together will increase by the time they start their match against Sliema this evening as the opening game between San Ġiljan and Exiles means that Karl Izzo's team will fall behind one, or possibly both, of their rivals in the table.

Neptunes, who had Steve Camilleri and Tamas Molnar in sparkling form last weekend, will resume their title quest on Saturday with a match against San Ġiljan.

Next fixtures

Today: 18.00 San Ġiljan vs Exiles; 19.15 Sliema vs Sirens.

Friday: 18.00 Ta' Xbiex vs Marsaxlokk; 19.15 Sirens vs Exiles.

Saturday: 17.00 Marsascala vs Otters; 18.15 Neptunes vs San Ġiljan.