Neptunes Grimaldi were in no way extended when seeing off Marsascala Mor€ in the opening match of the 2014 National League campaign yesterday.
The gap between the teams was evident from the beginning, with the champions scoring almost at will in the first two sessions, conversions which came mostly on well-orchestrated set play and breaks.
The southerners had little option but to restrict the damage and somehow they managed to do this after Sergei Markoch rang the changes when introducing several fringe units to the exclusion of the established ones.
Tamas Molnar was only engaged in the opening sessions while the injured Peter Biros was not utilised at all.
Understandably, the Reds’ momentum was not maintained in the latter sessions, despite the presence of Steve Camilleri who netted seven goals.
With several top players rested, Marsascala seized their chance to reduce the deficit, even winning the final quarter by the odd goal in nine.
That was of little concern to Neptunes except that their tailenders still have some way to go before reaching acceptable levels.
In the second match Valletta McDonald’s collected the expect-ed spoils at the expense of Ta’ Xbiex Amigos whose honest efforts to stay in the game went fizzling out as the exchanges entered the final stages.
The City team had the more powerful guns, with five-goal Djordje Filipovic distinguishing himself with some skilful conversions.
The resistance from Ta’ Xbiex was only occasional, with the result reflecting the disparity between the two sides.
A 7-3 lead for Valletta was widened to 11-5 by the end of the penultimate session, with a 4-1 scoreline in their favour in the final part of the game sealing the Citizens’ win on 15-6.
Summaries
Neptunes 22
Marsascala 10
(7-2, 7-1, 4-2, 4-5)
Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 1, M. Lanzon, M. Stellini 4, T. Agius 1, M. Zammit, S. Camilleri 7, J. Camilleri 2, A. Zarb Cousin1, P. Biros, B. Muscat Dougall, T. Molnar 3, C. Mercieca 3.
Marsascala: D. Spiteri, J.C. Cutajar 2, S. Mora 3, C. Bonello, E. Meli, L. Grixti, K. Rizzo Naudi 1, M. Pace, S. Micallef 1, C. Mifsud, D. Cassar, G. Marnitz 3, J. Cremona.
Referees: P. Giordano, P. Balzan.
Valletta 15
Ta’ Xbiex 6
(3-1, 4-2, 4-2, 4-1)
Valletta: R. Sciortino, R. Mock 1, M. Spiteri Staines 1, M. Korolija 2, N. Bonello Ghio, S. Cachia, M. Cordina 1, J.C Farrugia, C. Debono 1, R. Scerri 3, D. Paolella, D. Filipovic 5, M. Rizzo 1.
Ta’ Xbiex: L. Borg, L. Pace, M. Camilleri, K. Camilleri, F. Tenzera 1, K. Mock 1, S. Aquilina, J. Cauchi, M. Agius, E, Gravina, R. Attard 1, O. Zammit 1, M. Maksimovic 2.
Referees: M. Dalli, R. Spiteri.
Playing today
(Group B): 18.15 San Ġiljan vs Otters; 19.30 Exiles vs Marsaxlokk.