This evening’s Winter League match between Neptunes and Sliema will draw the curtains down on this year’s first competition for clubs hosted by the ASA, albeit a pre-season one.

Now in its 20th edition since its inception in 1994, the tournament during the cool months has become firmly established in the association’s annual calendar.

Neptunes, the first winners, have won the title eight times while Sliema’s total is seven. This is indicative of the dominance of these teams, a trend which shows few signs of abating.

This is underlined by statistics which also show that both teams managed to win the league four times in succession, even if Neptunes’ streak was broken in 2005 when the competition was not held.

With Neptunes clinching the honour on goal difference after they finished equal on points with Sliema and San Ġiljan last year, this time it will be a showdown between the Balluta Bay Reds and the Blues to decide the destination of the winter honours.

Both teams are eyeing a champagne start in their bid to make 2014 a successful year. They have the talent and qualities to fulfil their expectations.

Neptunes currently lead the standings thanks to a more prolific attack than Sliema after both sides won all their four matches in the tournament. The goal difference is the same for the two contenders, +23.

Neptunes can boast of an established nucleus of players in goalkeeper Alan Borg Cole, Niki Lanzon, Jordan Camilleri, Michele Stellini, Clint Mercieca and, of course, Steve Camilleri.

It is not yet certain whether the last-mentioned player will be given an extended period of rest after a long and arduous season with RN Bogliasco in the Italian top league.

Sliema, on the other hand, possess an equally valid squad able to rise to the occasion.

The fiery qualities of John Soler will be complemented by the skills and opportunism of Mark Meli and John Brownrigg, with Jerome Gabarretta, Timmy Sullivan and newcomer Alex Attard adding to the team’s potential

An exciting duel is in prospect, reminiscent of several previous contests between two of the foremost teams of local waterpolo.

This plum fixture will be preceded by the First Division match between champions Marsa-scala and Ta’ Xbiex and that between San Ġiljan and Valletta.

Honours shared

Otters Nivea and Marsaxlokk ASC shared 12 goals and the points to bring their First Division commit-ments to an end.

The Southseasiders thus finish on eight points, way behind champions Marsascala, while for Otters this was the fourth drawn outing.

After leading three times in the first session the side from Gozo had to come from behind to make up a two-goal leeway.

It was the first time that veteran John Paris, who was double-marked, failed to score.

Otters 6
Marsaxlokk 6

(3-3, 1-2, 1-1, 1-0)

Otters: Z. Sciberras, G. Attard 1, G. Zammit, A. Cachia, P. Sciberras, A. Borg, J. Paris, D. Schembri 2, K. Scicluna, S. Dimech, C. Martin 1, D. Borg Millo, K. Grima Scott 2.

Marsaxlokk: A. Xuereb, T. Camil-leri, A. Galea 2, C. Bugeja 1, M. Fenech 1, A. Mifsud 1, M. Scerri, A. Arrigo 1.

Referees: S. Licari, M. Dalli.

Winter League honours
Neptunes 8, Sliema 7, Sirens 3, San Ġiljan 1.

Today’s fixtures
14.15 Marsascala vs Ta’ Xbiex; 15.30 San Ġiljan vs Valletta United; 16.45 Sliema vs Neptunes.

Premier Division

  P W D L F A Pts
Neptunes 4 4 0 0 51 28 12
Sliema 4 4 0 0 48 25 12
San Ġiljan 4 2 0 2 33 27 6
Valletta 4 2 0 2 28 31 6
Sirens 5 0 1 4 32 52 1
Exiles 5 0 1 4 26 55 1

Note
■ The honour will not be shared, nor will there be extra time or penalties. Final classification will be determined according to FINA waterpolo bye-law 9.6: “If the game between them was tied, then the results against the highest placed team(s) in the group shall be considered.” In a nutshell, the result of each team against the next best-placed team will determine which way the honour will go.

First Division

  P W D L F A Pts
Marsascala 5 5 0 0 52 31 15
Marsaxlokk 6 2 2 2 58 42 8
Otters 6 0 4 2 39 50 4
Ta’ Xbiex 5 0 2 3 27 53 2

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