Joint-leaders Sliema McDonald's and Neptunes Emirates will face each other for the first time in this year's BOV National Championship at the National Pool this evening (6.15 p.m.).

The match will not only have league points at stake but the two sides will be vying for the President's Cup.

These two fierce rivals have dominated the local waterpolo scene for several years and the stage is set for another thrilling duel for the league championship this summer.

Neptunes and Sliema, the reigning champions, have a perfect record in the preliminary round after both won their opening five matches. The two title hopefuls will be looking to put down an early marker by prevailing in their first direct clash, knowing that victory this evening would also give either Neptunes or Sliema a two-point lead at the top.

The Blues have already enjoyed success over their neighbouring adversaries this year after pipping Neptunes to the Winter League.

The first meeting between the two in the winter competition ended in a 6-6 stalemate. However, Sliema stepped up a gear when it mattered most as they edged Neptunes 11-9 in the final to lift the trophy for the fifth time in their history.

Neptunes, however, will be determined to take the coveted league trophy back to their club after a three-year lapse. This week, the Reds, under the guidance of Sergey Markoch, showed that they are slowly hitting top gear as they eased past San Ġiljan 15-7 with Vladimir Vujasinovic, Tamas Molnar and club ace Steve Camilleri all bagging a hat-trick.

By contrast, Sliema, led by coach Sergio Afric, had to fight really hard to overcome the challenge of Sirens Ritter Sport 11-10 with Paul Privitera playing a key role in his former club's downfall by netting a poker.

Today's programme kicks off at 5 p.m. with a match between minnows Otters and Marsaxlokk.