Sliema 6
Neptunes 7
(2-2, 2-2, 0-1, 2-1, 0-1, 0-0)
Sliema
J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, E. Aquilina, J. Gabarretta, M. Meli, J. Soler 1, D. Paolella, S. Brownrigg, C. Debono, J. Valletta 5, J. Spiteri Staines, N. Lubrano, M. Manara, R. Coleiro.
Neptunes
N. Gouder, N. Lanzon, J. Camilleri, K. Galea, E. Cachia, T. Agius, S. Camilleri 5, R. Attard, D. Camilleri, S. Gravina, J. Paris 1, M. Stellini 1, M. Pisani, D. Caruana, R. Sciortino.
Referees: M. Dalli, M. Angileri.
Sirens 12
San Ġiljan 11
(4-1, 3-2, 2-4, 3-4)
Sirens
J. Sammut, A. Grech, A. Galea 3, P. Privitera, P. Borg, R. Mock 3, J. Borg 1, D. Cutajar 2, M. Mallia, R. Scerri 1, J. Camilleri, A. Attard, C. Mercieca 2.
San Ġiljan
D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri de Barro 2, A. Bianchi 2, M. Zammit 1, M. Pace 1, G. Ghirxi, E. Arrigo, P. Fava 2, J. Xerri de Caro 2, K. Lanzon 1.
Referees: P. Balzan, I. Sciriha.
Neptunes Vodafone's current form in the Winter League this year did not suggest that they would eclipse Sliema McDonald's in yesterday's play-off for the pre-season honour.
On the other hand, the Blues' performances and their 14-6 thrashing of the Balluta side in mid-April may have given the team from Għar id-Dud and their supporters a false sense of optimism. This time, the Reds, under the sole guidance of Karl Izzo, got it right in terms of tactics and determination to scoop another 'first', this time an honour backed by new sponsors BOV. Neptunes were also boosted by their star Steve Camilleri, absent last time against Sliema, whose five goals yesterday were a massive contribution to his team's success.
It was a ding-dong affair, definitely a duel not suitable for those with a faint heart to watch. Neptunes took an early lead after which the Blues, helped immensely by nap-hand scorer Jonathan Valletta, kept forging in front. But the Reds seized a two-goal, 6-4 lead early in the last quarter but in no time, Sliema levelled to take the game to the wire.
Neptunes showed more fighting qualities during the extended time, with Steve Camilleri grabbing the winner in the first period. It was the Reds' seventh title since 1994.
At the end of the match, BOV official Peter Perotti presented the new cup to Niki Lanzon, the Neptunes captain.
Sirens Hard Rock Café rediscovered some of their true form to beat San Ġiljan and thus claim third spot in the Winter League table.
It was both teams' concluding match and the first play-off on yesterday evening's card. The St Paul's Bay side displayed sharper qualities for most of the proceedings, especially in the first three sessions which saw them leading by three or two goals for long stretches. However, the Saints kept pegging and with five minutes to go, they levelled at 9-9.
Sirens regained a two-goal lead with under two minutes left, only for Silvio Borg to see his team's hopes soar again when they equalised with a minute remaining. But Ryan Mock had the last laugh when he netted the winner 36 seconds from time.
He had reached his hat-trick and was rightly elated at having ended as his team's catalyst.