Sirens Ritter Sport must recover quickly from their exertions against San Ġiljan on Saturday as they face Neptunes Emirates in the first leg of their BOV Knock-Out semi-final this evening (6.45 p.m.).
The St Paul’s Bay outfit showed signs of improvement in the decisive leg of their preliminary round match against San Ġijan, running out 12-8 winners after the initial leg had ended 11-11.
Saturday’s victory must have done a world of good to Sirens’ confidence but they must raise their game by a few notches if they are to upset Neptunes who start as favourites to progress to a likely final against rivals Sliema McDonald’s.
The Blues lead 3CX Exiles 14-10 after the first leg of their semi-final on Friday. The second leg is tomorrow.
The two-legged format of this season’s KO is intended to give teams a chance to bounce back if they fail to perform in the first match.
It can be said that Sirens benefited from this system as their spirited fightback in the 11-11 draw with the Saints laid the platform for their improved showing in Saturday’s second leg.
However, Sirens will be aware that a comprehensive defeat in today’s first leg against Neptunes would all but scupper their chances of reaching the final.
Neptunes, the reigning champ-ions, are determined to go all the way in this year’s KO to make amends for their defeat to Sliema in last season’s showdown.
Programme
Today: Division One KO semi-final (first leg 6.45 p.m. Sirens vs Neptunes.
Tomorrow: Division One KO semi-final (second leg) 6.45 p.m. Sliema vs Exiles (first leg – 14-10). Division Two KO semi-final (second leg) 8 p.m. Otters vs Ta’ Xbiex (first leg – 15-16).