Hotsticks advanced to the final of the Challenge Cup after beating Rabat on penalties in an exciting match last weekend. Photo: Stephen Gatt

Hotsticks 7
Rabat 4

(after penalties)

Both teams started cautiously, but at the first time of asking, on the 11th minute, John Camilleri slotted home to put Hotsticks 1-0 up as a result of a penalty corner action.

Within two minutes, Rabat drew level when Charlot Antonelli pushed home after a melee inside the D. Hotsticks missed a couple of chances and, despite dominating possession for the remainder of the first half, they could not break down a well-organised Rabat rearguard.

A minute into the second half, Julian Zahra shot Hotsticks ahead. Both teams did not avail themselves of penalty corner opportunities but, on 44 minutes, Shawn Falzon’s half-hit shot found the net to equalise for Rabat.

From then on play became frantic with tactics blown to the wind and added urgency leading to some tough tackling.

Seven penalty corner opportunities were missed, the final whistle finding the teams level at 2-2.

Hotsticks grabbed the lead again in the second minute of extra-time when Shawn Grima netted, meeting a cross from the right flank.

Just before the whistle was about to sound at the end of the second period of extra-time, Falzon equalised for Rabat from another penalty corner action to send the game into a penalty shoot-out which Hotsticks won 4-1 to seal their place in Sunday’s final.

Umpires: Paul Brincat, James Mizzi.

Young Stars 1
Qormi Poiatti 4

Qormi spurned a couple of chances early on and, although they enjoyed territorial advantage, the Young Stars defence held firm, choosing to counter-attack at every opportunity afforded.

In the 22nd minute, Juan Sarcia shot Qormi in front from a penalty corner.

Eleven minutes later, Steve Tanti netted to double Qormi’s lead.

Two minutes into the second half, Rens Verhaar pulled one back for Young Stars and at this point, they doubled their efforts but failed to capitalise on a couple of scoring opportunities which would have blown the game wide open.

Qormi went further ahead in the 60th minute when Kyle Micallef scored and he grabbed his second and his team’s fourth five minutes later to send Qormi into the final against Hotsticks.

Umpires: Raymond Micallef, Manuel Imbroll.