Neptunes Grimaldi once more produced resilient fare backed by remarkable tactical nous to edge Sliema Frank Salt Real Estate 5-4 and in so doing land a record ninth winter league title while dethroning the Blues.
As it transpired the last play-off between San Ġiljan and Sliema next month has now been rendered a dead rubber, with the Saints unable to pip their neighbours on the strength of Neptunes’ advantage on the two direct encounters between the St Julian’s Bay teams.
It was Neptunes’ first success under their new coach from Montenegro, Zoran Mustur, whose game plan of flexible zone marking backed by a dour rearguard in front of a rehabilitated goalkeeper, Alan Borg Cole, frustrated Sliema time and again, particularly in man-up sets.
The Blues had a very poor nil on six record in this regard, while Neptunes netted two from three sets.
Nevertheless, it was a close contest with the Balluta team the better starters when taking a 3-1 lead at the beginning of the second session, their goals coming from Niki Lanzon, two, and Clint Mercieca.
However, Sliema came back to go 4-3 ahead early in the third quarter. John Soler’s brace sandwiched goals from John Brownrigg and Mark Meli.
Not to be outdone, Mustur’s team reacted when Stellini equalised and Mercieca netted what proved to be the winning goal in the third session.
Sliema’s frantic efforts to save the game and dash Neptunes’ hopes of success while keeping themselves in the title hunt, proved abortive as the Balluta team held out to maintain their slender lead till the end.
Sliema 4
Neptunes 5
(1-2, 2-1, 1-2, 0-0)
Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta, E. Meli, T. Sullivan, M. Meli 1, J. Soler 2, M. Spiteri Staines, C. Cluett, J. Brownrigg 1, A. Attard, A. Mifsud, J. Gambin, Z. Sciberras
Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 2, M. Lanzon, M. Stellini 1, T. Agius, S. Xerri de Caro, G. Mizzi, J. Camilleri, L. Gialanze, M. Zammit, B. Lanzon, M. Castillo, C. Mercieca 2.
Referees: P. Balzan, A. DeRaffaele.
Otters 5
Marsaxlokk 13
(2-3, 0-3, 1-5, 2-2)
Otters: R. Bonnici, A. Cachia, A. Camenzuli, A. Azzopardi 2, A. Borg, E. Pace Bonello 1, N. Camenzuli 1, M. Borg Millo, M. Dimech, D. Borg Millo 1, C. Martin, J. Galea, P. Teuma.
Marsaxlokk: A. Xuereb, C. Spiteri Debarro 6, A. Galea 1, C. Gialanze, C. Bugeja 2, N. Portelli 1, A. Zarb Cousin 2, R. Scerri, J. Xerri de Caro 1, J. Cremona.
Referees: M. Angileri, S. Licari .