Xewkija Tigers are the 2011/12 Gozo champions after gaining the point they needed to secure the title in their final-day decisive clash with close challengers Nadur Youngsters.

Although Nadur were worthy contenders, Xewkija deserve their success as they were the most consistent team in the top league.

Led by coach Simon Cassar, Xewkija had the right mix of experienced and young players who pulled in the same direction to reach the club’s objective.

Goalkeeper Adrian Parnis, defender Martin Hrubsa, midfielders Chris Camilleri and Elton Vella, along with strikers Mark Camilleri, John Camilleri and Rodney Buttigieg were instrumental in helping the Tigers win the championship, the fifth in their history, after an absence of 11 years.

The Xewkija-Nadur clash lived up to its billing and attracted one of the largest crowds ever to the Gozo Stadium.

Nadur needed all three points to leapfrog Xewkija but it was the latter who had the strongest start as they opened a three-goal lead by the end of the first half with goals by Buttigieg, Mark Camilleri and John Camilleri.

Nadur were not demoralised though and midway through the second half, it was all-square again as they made an astonishing comeback to score three goals that shook Xewkija.

Alex Simoncic notched a brace and Milos Stojanovic made it 3-3 on 64 minutes with a fine header following a Charles Mercieca ball inside the opponents’ box.

Tension increased as Nadur continued to push forward in search of a winner. They were also unlucky when attempts by Joseph Vella were stopped by the woodwork.

Xewkija could have sealed victory with quick breaks but Nadur keeper Victor Agius produced two crucial saves to stop shots by Buttigieg.

In stoppage time, Nadur’s Paul Camilleri was red-carded for a foul on Vella.

At the final whistle, the Xewkija clan erupted with joy and their shouts became louder when GFA president Alvin Grech and general secretary Joe Bajada presented the trophy to Xewkija captain Joseph Cefai.

There was little for Nadur to smile about but at least their striker Claudio Antunes finished as the league’s top scorer with 22 goals.

Meanwhile, Victoria Hotspurs trounced Għajnsielem 5-1 in a midweek relegation decider to set up a relegation/promotion play-off against Division Two runners-up Oratory Youths.

The Hotspurs stormed into a three-goal lead with goals from Ian Xuereb and a Daniel Farrugia brace (both penalties) either side of half-time.

The Blacks had Jonathan Grech sent off in the incident leading to the second penalty and Antoine Camilleri added two more goals for the Hotspurs before Charlon Tabone pulled one back for the Blacks who have been relegated to Division Two.

Division One

Kerċem celebrate

Kerċem Ajax celebrated their promotion to Division One with a 1-0 win over Oratory Youths.

The Greens were determined to complete the campaign without defeat and went on to achieve their aim as Josef Debrincat’s goal in the first half was enough to clinch the points.

Kerċem’s Malcolm Vella was the top scorer in Division Two with 14 goals.

Division Two