Young Stars Remax 2
Sliema Hotsticks 3

Young Stars went ahead as early as the third minute when Mark Camilleri shot low into the net from a penalty corner action.

This triggered a strong reaction from Sliema Hotsticks but, despite winning five penalty corners as well as having Silas Plaehn and Steve Portelli coming close to scoring, half-time was reached with Young Stars still holding on to their lead.

Early in the second half, the Hotsticks continued to apply pressure with Young Stars depending on counter-attacks.

Sliema managed to break their duck when, in the 46th minute, Julian Zahra equalised after a prolonged action in the D.

The game swung to and fro and Camilleri notched his second to send Young Stars 2-1 up.

But the Hotsticks fought back. Andrei Imbroll’s effort shaved the post but Lukas Plaehn then netted to make it 2-2.

After hitting the post a minute later, the Hotsticks were awarded a penalty stroke and Plaehn obliged from the spot to clinch victory in the closing stages.

Umpires: Luke Busuttil Leaver, Paul Brincat.

Rabat 1
Qormi Poiatti 3

John Williams shot leaders Qormi ahead inside the first minute.

Rabat’s reaction was immediate but they did not take advantage of three penalty corners awarded to them in the next six minutes.

Midfield play characterised most of the half with Qormi unable to break down Rabat’s defensive wall despite controlling possession.

Rabat then missed a golden opportunity to level when they were awarded a penalty stroke on 32 minutes but Christopher Bugeja missed from the spot, leaving Qormi with a 1-0 advantage at half-time.

But, four minutes into the second half, Charlot Antonelli brought Rabat on level terms.

This ruffled Qormi’s feathers as they produced a determined reaction which resulted in De Giovanni netting following a penalty corner action in the 45th minute.

The rest of this National League contest developed into a tight affair with Qormi content on retaining possession and endeavouring to draw out Rabat from their entrenched defensive position until the last minute of the game when they were awarded a penalty stroke.

Juan Sarcia scored to seal a 3-1 victory.

Umpires: Manuel Imbroll, Ray Micallef.

Standings