Sliema 5
Neptunes 10
(1-4, 2-1, 0-1, 2-4)
Without setting any bushes alight, but playing with supreme authority, Neptunes Vodafone blew aside Sliema McDonald's to inscribe their name on the President's Cup, the first of the new President's term of office, after a convincing 10-5 victory which left no doubt as to the legitimacy of the outcome.
A solid platform in the third part of the game, led by a good performance from Steve Camilleri who directed operations from deep positions, was complemented by a rousy five-goal flurry from the opportunistic Matthew Pisani.
The Reds had a three-goal flying start and were looking steady against a sluggish Sliema team. A goal at each end before the quarter came to a close left the Balluta team in command.
Both sides fluffed some crucial sets when on a numerical advantage. The Blues improved to win the second quarter by the odd goal in three to trim down the deficit to 5-3 by the halfway stage.
The third quarter was characterized by a serious of errors, mostly unforced from both sides, with the only goal coming after a few seconds from Pisani who sneaked away in the number four position to drive past Cachia.
With Neptunes more intent to neutralize the full possession period and Sliema looking inert against an otherwise solid Reds rearguard, Pisani netted two more goals to make it 8-3.
The issue had long been decided as Neptunes opted to play it coolly. Two goals at each end maintained the status quo in the shape of a five-goal winning margin for Neptunes.
New coach Paolo Malara must have been satisfied with his team's showing.
At the end of the match, a representative from the President's office presented the cup to Neptunes captain Nicky Lanzon.
In a low-key match which never triggered off in terms of goals and hot action, San Ġiljan Tropicana Juices had the better of Sirens Ritter Sport to win the Sportswriters Association Cup after play went into extra time.
The balance between the two teams was only evident in the negative sense. Both sets of players were never able to shrug off their inertia and produce intelligent movements when in possession.
Simon Bonello, on behalf of the Sportswriters Association, presented the cup to San Ġiljan captain Dean Camilleri.
Sliema: J. Cachia, M. Spiteri Staines, J. Spiteri Staines, M. Rizzo, M. Meli, J. Soler 1, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono 2, J. Valletta 1, N. Lubrano, J. Gabaretta, R. Coleiro.
Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon, T. Agius, K. Galea 3, E. Cachia, B. Giorgio, S. Camilleri 1, M. Ciappara, J. Camilleri 1, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini, M. Pisani 5.
Referees: M. Dalli, P. Balzan.
San Ġiljan 6
Sirens 5
(1-1, 1-0, 1-2, 1-1, 1-1, 1-0)
San Ġiljan: D. Camilleri, C. Gialanze, M. Borg Spiteri, A. Bianchi 2, C. Spiteri de Barro 2, S. Schembri, M. Pace, A. Borda, P. Fava 2, J. Xerri de Caro, K. Lanzon.
Sirens: J. Sammut, R. Mock 1, A. Galea 1, P. Privitera 1, T. Debono, P. Micallef, J. Borg, D. Cutajar 1, A. Attard, C. Zammit, C. Mercieca 1, S. Aquilina, A. Grech.
Referees: M. Angilleri, I. Sciriha.