Neptunes Grimaldi summoned their technical nous and superior power yesterday to dismiss neighbours San Giljan All Care Insurance 14-11 and win the right to meet Sirens Ritter Sport in the semi-final of the BOV knock-out competition.
These qualities emerged in the latter sessions after their opponents had been their equals and indeed twice taking a two-goal lead on 7-5 and 8-6 in the third session.
But then came the volte face as the Reds had that something extra in their tank especially when it came to the finer arts of the game.
Steve Camilleri scored vital goals as did Tamas Molnar with four and three conversions respectively. Niki Lanzon, Peter Biros and Clint Mercieca also did their part scorewise, with a brace each.
It had been a very close affair early on as the Saints responded every time their opponents took a one-goal lead in the opening sessions.
Zejlko Kovacic (four goals) and Matthew Zammit, with three conversions, were the main threat for the Balluta Bay Saints.
Centre Karl Galea, scorer of an excellent backhand, was also a constant menace, but in essence San Ġiljan’s game had too much of the physical element.
Neptunes’ muscle was not to be dismissed either, but in the final reckoning their superior skills won them the day when they took charge in the last two quarters.
For the record, both teams had three on eight readings on extra-man sets, with the Reds netting 11 goals and San Ġiljan eight on parity situations.
Summary
San Ġiljan 11
Neptunes 14
(3-3, 3-2, 2-4, 3-5)
San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri DeBarro, A. Galea, Karl Galea 1, K. Dowling 1, M. Zammit 3, A. Radovic 1, A. Bianchi, Keith Galea, Z. Kovacic 4, P. Fava, D. Zammit 1, J. Sammut.
Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 2, M. Lanzon, M. Stellini 1, T. Agius, G. Mizzi, S. Camilleri 4, J. Camilleri, A. Zarb Cousin, P. Biros 2, B. Muscat, T. Molnar 3, C. Mercieca 2.
Referees: M. Dalli, G. Centineo.
Semi-final pairings
July 22: 18.45 Marsascala vs Marsa-xlokk; 20.00 Sliema vs Valletta.
July 23: 18.45 Otters vs Ta’ Xbiex; 20.00 Neptunes vs Sirens.