Expectation and motivation levels were definitely below what one normally expects from a clash between Neptunes Grimaldi and Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate especially on the last day of a league campaign.

The prevailing situation, with the Reds of Balluta Bay having been assured of the league title ten days ago when they beat yesterday’s opponents 9-5, accounted for this.

Central to yesterday’s match was the anointment of Neptunes as kings of Maltese waterpolo as the championship prize was presented to their long-standing captain Niki Lanzon by BOV Chief Officer Peter Perotti flanked by ASA president Joe Caruana Curran.

However, other statistical and prestige issues could not be played down. The champions were after preserving their unbeaten run in a memorable season which had them going beyond new horizons with a fifth title in a row, their 23rd overall.

On the other hand, the Blues eyed some sort of consolation after a disappointingly gloomy summer brightened only by their winter league victory.

Neptunes again managed to lower their rivals’ colours with something to spare thus putting further gloss on their great summer season during which they swept the board almost at all levels.

Watched by a predominantly Neptunes crowd with many clad in the club’s colours and waving flags alongside placards displaying the number five, the match started well for ace centre Tamas Molnar who drew first blood early on and then netted his second to help his team take a 4-2 first session lead.

Neptunes Grimaldi players and officials pose with the BOV National League championship trophy at Tal-Qroqq yesterday.Neptunes Grimaldi players and officials pose with the BOV National League championship trophy at Tal-Qroqq yesterday.

The superior Reds extended that advantage at mid-point, with Steve Camilleri, who eventually totalled four goals to end as the overall top scorer this season, and the all-rounder Peter Biros putting Neptunes 8-5 ahead at midpoint.

The Balluta team remained in the driving seat in the third quarter, extending their advantage to 13-8 after netting four goals in succession in reply to their opponents three on the spin which had earlier closed the gap to 9-8.

The last session was an anti-climax for the champions as they eased off after opening a six-goal gap on 14-8, only for the Blues to trim that leeway to 14-11.

It was Neptunes’ fourth win over Sliema out of the six played this summer, the other two ending all-square.

The highlight in the final quarter was an emotional adieu to Molnar in another well-rehearsed act when Sergey Markoch substituted him.

He left the water amid the warm applause of the Neptunes supporters. Thus his magical career came to fitting end in Malta.

After the presentation the players, accompanied by their supporters, proceeded to the club premises on open buses before they were given a rousing ovation by other fans who gathered at the decorated pool where partying continued until late.

Before the match Steve Camilleri and Otis Zammit were presented with placards by ASA chief Caruana Curran after they were respectively voted Premier and First Division BOV Players of the Month for August.

Sliema 11
Neptunes 14

(2-4, 3-4, 3-5 3-1)

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta 2, N. Lubrano 1, T. Sullivan, M. Meli 1, J. Soler, J. Borg, C. Cluett, J. Brownrigg, N. Bugelli 1, I. Basara 4, A. Petkovic 2, K. Schembri.

Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 2, M. Lanzon, M. Stellini 1, T. Agius, M. Zammit, S. Camilleri 4, J. Camilleri 1, A. Zarb Cousin, P. Biros 3, B. Muscat, T. Molnar 2, C. Mercieca 1.

Referees: P. Balzan, A. Paoletti.

Final standings

  P W D L F A Pts
Neptunes 14 12 2 0 202 140 38
Sliema 14 7 3 4 154 143 24
San Ġiljan 14 6 0 8 164 159 18
               
Sirens 14 7 2 5 157 154 23
Valletta 14 3 1 10 141 164 10
Exiles 14 1 4 9 125 183 7

Last 10 champions

2005 - Sirens
2006 - Neptunes
2007 - Neptunes
2008 - Sliema
2009 - Sliema
2010 - Neptunes
2011 - Neptunes
2012 - Neptunes
2013 - Neptunes
2014 - Neptunes

Title wins

Sliema – 31 championships.
Neptunes – 23.
Valletta – 11.
Sirens – 6.
Balluta – 5.
San Ġiljan – 3.
Marsascala – 1.

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