This evening two of the heavyweights of Maltese waterpolo, Neptunes and Sliema, will be involved in their first head-to-head clash of the 2015 summer season in the President’s Cup, now in its 20th edition.

This match, played between the champions and knock-out holders (or finalists) of the previous season, has in recent years been moved to that of a curtain-raiser to the summer league.

Apart from the charitable cause of the occasion, a duel between the Blues and the Reds is always an attraction.

Holders, Neptunes, will be aiming for the ninth President’s Cup win and their second honour this year after landing the Winter League, having defeated San Ġiljan Allcare and Sliema in the decisive play-offs.

As usual, the Balluta Bay Reds will rely on their established men plus the services of Steve Camilleri, back from his spell with Italy’s Sette Scogli for whom he topped the season scorers’ list.

Most probably Neptunes will only have Peter Biros as Ivan Krapic will not arrive in Malta early enough to make the team.

Sliema’s overseas weapons, Michael Bodegas and Nikolic Dedovic, should add to their depth of strength which also includes new signings Kai Dowling and Michael Spiteri Staines.

Everything points to a balanced contest as has very often been the case when these two sides lock horns, with the result possibly hinging on chances taken or missed.

The match starts at 18.30 and will be followed at 19.45 by the Sportswriters Cup clash between Marsa-scala and Marsaxlokk.

President’s Cup winners
Neptunes 8, Sliema 6, Sirens 4, San Ġiljan 1./p>

Sportswriters’ Cup winners
Neptunes 6, Marsascala 3, Sirens 3, San Ġiljan 2, Sliema 2, Valletta 2.