Matches between the also-rans have turned out to be interesting duels with no-one daring to predict the outcome.

That between Exiles Jet Services and Sirens Ritter Sports certainly lived up to this billing as the former edged their opponents by the odd goal in 21. The match could not fail to keep both sets of supporters biting their nails as first one team and then the other forged ahead, especially in the latter sessions.

Exiles’ stronger start was nullified by Sirens, especially courtesy of five-goal Yugoslav Vasovic. But Julian Rizzo Naudi, at the other end, was equally in good striking form, scoring four, as Aurelien Cousin and Cosmin Bonca helped to steady the ship with their playmaking.

It was a familiar strong start by Exiles who stormed 2-0 ahead before being caught up. Two more goals from the Sliema team made it 4-2 with Sirens pulling one back shortly before the end of the first session.

Movement on open play remained brisk with goals coming at regular intervals before Karl Izzo’s team levelled on 6-6 before ends were changed.

The lead kept alternating with Exiles moving ahead 7-6 only to slip behind 8-7. They soon equalised but Vasovic reached his poker of goals, again on a quick free shot. Once more Exiles responded, bringing the third session to a 9-9 draw.

There was a lull in the scoring rate until Julian Rizzo Naudi netted his fourth goal to put Exiles again in front. But not for long as Vasovic again equalised. It was exciting fare and end-to-end goals with the duel approaching its close.

Meanwhile, Clint Mercieca was fouled out but man-ups and chances at both ends were tossed away but not before the reliable Bonca had scored the all-important winner for Exiles 84 seconds from time.

Champions

Marsascala Solid Base Engineering set the seal on the 2010 second division title when they overcame neighbours from the south Marsaxlokk as easily as a hot knife cutting through butter.

It was the 23rd championship success for them in the lower division after having last won the title in 2007. Marsascala’s accolade throughout the years was enriched with their historic triumph as top league champions in 1997.

Yesterday’s derby duel was as good as over inside the opening session when Anthony Farrugia’s team hosted a 6-2 flying start with five of the six goals coming from the team’s Serbian talisman Milos Koralji who went on to add four more to his tally.

However, Marsascala’s victory yesterday was also backed by superior team play and striking prowess despite the improved Marsaxlokk’s efficiency.

It was 10-5 midway through after which the new champions kept their heads in front to record a 16-10 win. Almost five minutes from time, Marsaxlokk’s Timmy Camilleri was excluded without substitution after hitting Timmy Agius.

At the end of the match, Marsascala captain Joe Cremona was presented with the second division league cup by Edward Muscat Azzopardi, BOV’s Head Marketing in the presence of ASA president Austin Sammut.

Summaries

Sirens 10
Exiles 11
(3-4, 3-2, 3-3, 1-2)

Sirens: J. Sammut. A. Attard 1, P. Borg, J. Spiteri Staines, R. Mock, J. Borg 1, D. Cutajar 2, P. Micallef, C. Zammit 1, Y. Vasovic 5, D. Zammit, C. Mercieca.

Exiles: A. Borg Cole, J. Rizzo Naudi 4, S. Vassallo 1, C. Bonca 1, T. Sullivan 1, M. Calleja, K. Rizzo Naudi, K. Griscti 1, A. Zarb Cousin, A. Cousin 2, A. Cachia, S. Cini, K. Lanzon 1.

Refs: P. Balzan, F. Busacca.

Marsascala 16
Marsaxlokk 10
(6-2, 4-3, 1-3, 5-2)

Marsascala: R. Sciortino, J.C. Cutajar, T. Botond 1, L. Grixti 1, M. Borg Spiteri, M. Koralji 9, J. Licari 2, J. Cremona 1, S. Micallef 1, T. Agius, D. Cassar 1, G. Pace, S. Farrugia.

Marsaxlokk: A. Sammut, K. Vogel 2, R. Calleja, D. Pace Lupi 2, M. Paris, K. Hyzler 3, C. Vang 2, J.C. Farrugia, E. Pisani, T. Camilleri1, M. Grima, N. Camilleri.

Refs: M. Dalli, A. De Raffaele.

Playing Today

Division Two
5 p.m. Ta’ Xbiex vs Otters.

Division One
6.15 p.m. Neptunes vs San Ġiljan.

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