Sliema cruise past San Ġiljan to reach final

Sliema McDonald’s proceeded to the final of the Division One play-off series yesterday when defeating San Ġiljan Giuseppe’s 13-6.

The Blues issued a statement of intent, confirming that they are coming good at the right moment.

Yesterday, Sergio Afric’s team scored a clear-cut 13-6 victory over an otherwise fumbling San Ġiljan side after they had edged past the same opponents 11-10 on Saturday.

The Blues have thus earned the right to contest the best-out-of-five play-off final against Neptunes Emirates, the first match to be played on Friday.

Sliema used the right cover tactics to blot San Ġiljan’s foreigners who could not help their team keep up the pace with their opponents.

Sliema completely took over from the third session onwards especially after San Giljan’s Filip Trajkovic incurred a third and definite exclusion late in the second quarter.

Sliema took off brightly, taking a two-goal lead when converting two exclusions in their favour. By contrast, the Saints wasted their first three man-ups.

Although Sliema’s two-goal lead was not extended in the second session, after eight goals were shared, the Blues were provided with a tremendous boost when Trajkovic was fouled out.

Exchanges, though muscular, were generally devoid of un-wholesome strong-arm tactic.

Sliema, utilising more men on their bench, extended their advantage to 10-5 in the next part of the game after which they cruised home despite having John Soler fouled out and the tandem of Jerome Gabaretta and Raymund Fodor hanging on two exclusions.

Summary

San Ġiljan 6
Sliema 13
(0-2, 4-4, 1-4, 1-3)

San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, J.C. Cutajar, N. Sutic 2, K. Galea 2, F. Trajkovic, K. Dowling, L. Grixti, A. Bianchi, M. Borg Spiteri, C. Gialanze, P. Fava 2, A. Fava, K. Schembri.

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabaretta 2, N. Lubrano 1, R. Fodor 1, M. Meli 3, J. Soler 2, D. Paolella, M. Rizzo, C. Debono, P. Privitera, B. Rath 3, J. Spiteri Staines 1, D. Abela.

Refs: I. Sciriha, S. Pinato.