A perky San Ġiljan Giuseppe’s again provided a major upset as they beat Sliema McDonald’s 11-8 in the second match of the day to go level on points with Neptunes, albeit having played a game more than Reds. They put up some steady fare to keep their hitherto erratic opponents at bay.
The absence of Raymond Fodor and Clint Debono in the Sliema ranks was no excuse as they contrived to dish out yet another miserable display, even if their opponents should be given due credit.
The Blues’ comfort zone is the play-off which could give them a second bite at the cherry, but only if they raise their game considerably and avoid the bottom place of the standings at the end of the second round.
San Ġiljan looked a steady lot as they stifled the Blues’ attack only to pounce on the break. Goals, however, were few and far between with the Saints bouncing back from a one-goal deficit to win the session 2-1.
Another almost arid second quarter had the team sharing two goals. Sliema seemed a toothless lot, with the Saints at this point not far behind them as efforts on both goals were snuffed out before they were ignited.
Dean Camilleri was playing a blinder in goal but the Blues were ineffective when on the point of shooting. San Ġiljan conducted the third quarter handsomely to win it 5-2. Karl Galea, Filip Trajkovic and Nikola Sutic made it 6-2 before they twice reduced the arrears. But more goals from the Saints’ foreigners made it 8-4 at the end of the third session.
The last quarter confirmed the Saints’ day of grace and Sliema’s erratic form. The result was a foregone conclusion with more than three minutes left and at the final whistle an elated Karl Izzo celebrated Sutic’s fifth goal with the San Ġiljan supporters applauding the brave efforts of their team.
The clash between Neptunes and Sirens was a no match. The Reds flew miles above their opponents and made sure the northerners would not soar anywhere near them. This they did within minutes from the start of the second session when they opened a six-goal lead.
The St Paul’s Bay team were a resigned lot against a side which did not miss the expertise from the bench of coach Sergey Markoch back in his country to mourn the loss of his father. Tony Camilleri took over and operations in the water were ruthlessly carried out in the covering and offensive phases.
After giving the Northerners a two-goal start, the Reds were in the driving seat when taking a 4-2 advantage inside the first quarter.
David Cutajar’s brace was followed by another from Steve Camilleri with Niki Lanzon and Matthew Pisani scoring the other two goals.
Double shielding from Sirens at the centre was to no avail as the champions’ artillery was far too heavy for their opponents. Eight goals with a single reply for Sirens made it 12-3 for Neptunes with Steve Camilleri and Lanzon on the four-goal mark.
Sirens’ predicament at mid-point was obvious. Predrag Zimonjic sought some saving formula which did not arrive. At least, it was a close third quarter as they only fell behind by another goal when finishing on the wrong end of a 5-4 scoreline.
It was time for Neptunes’ refurbishing in the water as younger faces were introduced. The Balluta team won the last session 4-1 for a 21-8 crushing.
Neptunes 21
Sirens 8
(4-2, 8-1, 5-4, 4-1)
Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 5, E. Aquilina 1, M. Stellini 2, J. Camilleri 1, G. Pace, S. Camilleri 5, V. Gojkovic 4, B. Buhagiar, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 2, M. Pisani 1.
Sirens: J. Sammut, A. Attard, G. Busuttil, P. Borg, T. Kiss 1, R. Mock, J. Borg, D. Cutajar 2, G. Kristonovic 1, C. Zammit, N. Grixti, D. Zammit 1, C. Mercieca 3.
Refs: M. Angileri, P. Balzan.
Sliema 8
San Ġiljan 11
(1-2, 1-1, 2-5, 4-3)
Sliema: R. Coleiro, N. Bonello Ghio, N. Lubrano 1, M. Kallay 2, M. Meli 1, J. Soler, D. Paolella, M. Spiteri Staines, M. Rizzo, P. Privitera 1, B. Rath 3, J. Spiteri Staines, D. Abela.
San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, J.C. Cutajar, N. Sutic 5, K. Galea 2, P. Trajkovic 3, A. Borda, R. Grixti, A. Bianchi 1, M. Borg Spiteri, C. Gialanze, P. Fava, A. Galea, K. Schembri.
Refs: D. Rotondano, M. Dalli.
Playing on Friday: Div. Two - 6.15 p.m. Marsascala vs Valletta. Div. One - 7.30 p.m. Sirens vs Exiles.