Qormi 0
Young Stars 1
This was virtually a championship decider with Qormi only needing a point to clinch it and Young Stars requiring an outright win to stay in the hunt.
Understandably, both teams were attentive not to concede an early goal. This produced a cagey first half with tight man-to-man marking and play concentrated in midfield and very few forays into the D.
Qormi won three penalty corners but did not take any advantage from them and the half-time whistle blew without a goal being scored.
The second half followed the same pattern with Young Stars winning their first penalty corner in the 42nd minute to no avail.
Qormi reacted winning three penalty corners of their own and producing a diving save by James Mizzi, the Stars keeper, off the third one in the 56th minute.
A minute later, a Chris Attard dead-ball hit was deflected into the Qormi net from close range by Marvin Vella to give Young Stars a 1-0 lead.
Qormi reacted strongly, winning four penalty corners but this was not their day and Juan Sarcia even hit the post a minute from time. The final whistle sounded leaving Young Stars hanging on to their slender lead.
If Young Stars win their final match on Sunday, a play-off will be required to decide the cham-pionship winners.
Umpires: Luke Busuttil Leaver, Manuel Imbroll.
White Hart 2
Rabat 2
Rabat started strongly, applying pressure on White Hart’s rearguard.
They won two penalty corners in succession and were only denied by the smart goalkeeping of White Hart’s Robert Vassallo Agius. But, Rabat went ahead on 15 minutes when Kevin Micallef netted from their third penalty corner action.
Continuing on the attack and enjoying most of the territorial play, Mario Galea scored Rabat’s second goal after a prolonged action in the D.
White Hart started the second half showing more determination and Kyle Micallef flicked over the goalkeeper to reduce the arrears.
Five minutes later Micallef lashed on to a ball on the edge of the D and bagged his second, hitting a delightful reverse stick shot to equalise for White Hart.
Rabat reacted, winning three penalty corners in the next ten minutes but with scant reward.
Micallef had the chance to add to his and Rabat’s tally but he failed to convert two chances in as many minutes late on.
Umpires: Paul Brincat, Emile Borg.
Standings
Qormi 18; Young Stars 16; Sliema Hotsticks 9; Rabat 7; White Hart 6.
Next Fixtures
Sunday: (Corradino Complex) 9 a.m. Young Stars vs White Hart; 11 a.m. Rabat vs Qormi.