Neptunes 10
Sliema 12
(3-5, 1-2, 2-3, 4-2)

Sliema McDonald's are on the verge of wresting the league title - a first for them in terms of a prize under new sponsors - from Neptunes Vodafone after a remarkably confident display against the champions which resulted in a deserved 12-10 victory.

It is now all over bar the shouting as Sliema need a couple of points to take the championship crown for the 30th time in their history.

It was a must-win scenario for Neptunes, with the Blues well aware that a victory would see their vessel entering triumphantly into the port.

Igor Gochanin's team had to overcome the mental hurdle of complacency. It is to their credit that they never displayed such an attitude and in so doing they played with absolute concentration and showed perfect team work which had them outwitting their opponents while triggering innumerable mistakes in the ranks of the Reds.

Deploying stringent press not to allow their opponents' outside duo time and space to shoot, Sliema made a perfect start when taking all their three extra-man chances to go into a 4-1 lead after four minutes.

Neptunes came back to cut the deficit to 4-3 before the Blues, playing with extraordinary snap, went 5-3 ahead at the end of the opening quarter. The Balluta team could not match Sliema's physical qualities and shooting power and they went further adrift in the second quarter as the Blues pounced on their opponents' slightest hesitation while front-covering Neptunes' centre with excellent acumen.

Sliema's edge was also evident when winning all four sprints.

Two quick goals by the Reds in the third session sparked new hopes for them but Sliema remained calm before Frikk, who had been hanging on two personal faults, made it 8-6.

The Blues' superiority became even more pronounced at that stage with their alertness standing out like a bright beacon.

Ex-Neptunes player John Brownrigg lobbed for the night goal when catching Nicky Gouder out of his charge before Daniel Paolella made it 10-6 with the last session to go.

Neptunes had a steep mountain to climb if they wanted to salvage the game. But the Blues went further ahead only for three quick goals, two of which came from Michele Stellini, brought the match alive with Neptunes trimming the deficit to 11-9 with four minutes left.

However, the Blues' expertise and their better record on their extra-man sets had no answer from the Balluta team as Frikk's poker maintained Sliema's excellent showing with the last goal scored by the Reds not being of any influence.

It was a perfect day for the well-drilled Blues team as their supporters drifted off the National Pool in a joyous mood.

Neptunes N. Gouder, A. Dekker 1, M. Aleksic 1, K. Galea 1, E. Cachia, M. Zammit, J. Paris, I. Zanetic 2, D. Camilleri, N. Lanzon 2, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini 2, M. Pisani 1.

Sliema J. Cachia, J. Gabaretta, E. Aquilina, R. Fodor 2, M. Meli, J. Soler 2, D. Paolella 1, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono , J. Valletta 2, J. Falzon, O. Frikk 4, R. Coleiro.

Referee M. Dalli, A. Pascucci.

Marsascala 15
Otters 8
(6-0, 2-5, 4-1, 3-2)

Marsascala Ocean and Sky had a clear edge over Otters ASC in yesterday's second division match and their victory was only a matter of the winning margin as the Gozitans could never leave a lasting mark on the game.

Six goals in the opening session by the southseasiders afforded their coach Chris Sladden the luxury of pulling out his men and drafting in new ones in constant rotation.

With Fabio Valenti finding his scoring touch when netting a handsome tally of nine goals for his team, the Gozitans could only hope to limit the damage.

This they did even if partially considering the initial kick-start by Marsascala. But the outcome was never in doubt.

Marsascala I. Bugeja, C. Gialanze 1, J.C. Cutajar, A. Tringali 3, M. Borg Spiteri 1, L. Grixti, F. Valenti 9, J. Cremona, S. Micallef 1, R. Cutajar, D. Cassar, M. Spiteri, S. Farrugia.

Otters R. Grech, D. Saliba, G.L. Zammit 1, B. Szabo 1, P. Szabo 2, K. Mizzi 1, J. Vella 3, J.P. Buttigieg, L. Cachia, I. Simon, M. Tabone, E. Farrugia.

Referees A. de Raffaele, A. Farrugia.

Next fixtures

Friday: U-19 6.15p.m. Neptunes vs Exiles. Division One 7.30 pm San Ġiljan vs Sliema.

Saturday: Division Two 4 p.m. Exiles vs Otters; 5.15 p.m. M'Scala vs Ta' Xbiex. Division One 6.15 p.m. Neptunes vs Sirens.