The significant changes in the format of the 2014 Premier League race have resulted in keen contests which are due to reach a climax in the coming weeks.

The teams have now been divided into the championship and relegation pools, with Neptunes, Sliema and San Ġiljan forming the top trio and Sirens, Valletta and Exiles making up the bottom one.

This was predicted given the strength of the sides, although some sort of balance prevailed between all contestants on a match basis.

Sirens were uppermost in this regard when they managed to beat San Ġiljan and run both Sliema and Neptunes very close, while Exiles held the Blues to a draw. Valletta, too, were involved in some close duels.

Likewise in the First Division which has turned out to be a balanced competition as results have shown, despite the clear lead Marsascala have at the top of the table.

With the points being carried forward, the good thing about the competition is that the points earned in each match had a value.

The absence of dead rubbers meant that all the teams fought for points and retained them till the end.

Champions Neptunes have been the most consistent and are so far unbeaten, having led the standings all the way. They totalled 26 points, five above Sliema, with San Ġiljan six points behind the Blues.

The two round mini-league to determine the champion team comprises six games with 18 points at stake. The Balluta team need to win seven points from four matches to clinch the title for the fifth time in a row, while Sliema need at least 12.

As far as San Ġiljan are concerned the permutations make it almost impossible for them to win the championship, a situation which makes them fight only for prestige.

In the bottom pool, where the team finishing last will be involved in a best-of-three play-off against the winners of the Division One to decide which team plays top league waterpolo next year, Sirens stand on 13 points, followed by Valletta with seven and Exiles with three.

Everything points to an intriguing finale to the 2014 season which one hopes will produce some exciting fare free from controversy which has unfortunately marred some matches this season.

Clubs and waterpolo followers expect firm and consistent control by the referees, which unfortunately was not evident in every match this season.

The first match in the Premier Division bottom pool will be played today between Exiles and Sirens, followed by the Division One knock-out final between Marsascala and Otters.

Next fixtures
Today: Relegation Pool 18.15 Exiles Ferretti vs Sirens Ritter Sport; Division One KO final 19.30 Marsascala Mor€ vs Otters Nivea.
Thursday: Division One 19.00 Otters Nivea vs Ta’ Xbiex Amigos.

Premier League

First Division