Reds out to extend perfect run

The second round of the BOV National League has been reduced to a mere formality as, barring any major surprises in the next two programmes, the four teams who will be contesting the best-of-three semi-finals are already known.

Champions Neptunes Emirates have all but sealed top spot as they have a six-point lead over San Ġiljan Giuseppe’s with the latter having played a game more.

Having preserved their 100 per cent record with an 18-10 dismissal of likely play-off opponents Sirens Ritter Sport on Friday, Neptunes are widely tipped to make it six wins in a row when they meet Balluta Bay neighbours San Ġiljan this evening.

Regarded as the surprise package of this summer’s cham-pionship, the Saints have done well to secure a berth in the play-offs with something to spare but they have a fight on their hands to hold on to second spot following their upset to Sliema McDonald’s last weekend.

Only two points separate San Ġiljan from the resurgent Blues and, although these two sides look set to face each other in the semi-final, both will want to finish as high as possible in the table before the deciders in order to boost their morale.

A win today would provide the ideal tonic for San Ġiljan but they will be the first to accept that their chances of upsetting the Reds are remote as Neptunes have been streets ahead of the rest this season. No doubt, the priority for coach Karl Izzo will be to lead the Saints to a bold performance ahead of their remaining en-counter with 3CX Exiles.

More was expected of Exiles after reacheding the KO final but they struggled to make their mark in the league. With no points from five matches, Joe Caruana Dingli’s men are practically out of contention as they trail fourth-placed Sirens by seven points.

Exiles will be looking to salvage some pride though by getting some points on board in their remaining three games and their meeting with Sirens, on paper, is their best chance to end their losing run.

Programme
Today: Division One 5.45 p.m. Exiles vs Sirens; 7 p.m. Neptunes vs San Ġiljan.
Friday: Division Two 5.45 p.m. Mar-sascala vs Otters. Division One 7 p.m. San Ġiljan vs Exiles.
Saturday: Division Two 4.45 p.m. Ta’ Xbiex vs Valletta. Division One 6 p.m. Sliema vs Neptunes.

Current standings