Sliema McDonald's are set to underline their supremacy in Maltese waterpolo this evening when they start as favourites to see off Sirens Ritter Sport and secure what would be the 31st national title in their glorious history.
Last year, Sliema clinched the double under coach Igor Gocanin who had been in charge of the team for two years. After Gocanin's departure, Sliema ensured a smooth transition by engaging the services of the inspirational Sergio Afric, so synonymous with success in our game.
Afric propelled an efficient Blues team to a deserved victory in last week's derby against Neptunes Vodafone whose slim hopes of pipping their rivals to the title rest on Sirens pulling off an unlikely victory today.
If the team from St Paul's Bay defy the odds and surprise Sliema, Neptunes could force a decider with a victory over neighbours San Ġiljan Tropicana Juices in the last match of the championship proper tomorrow.
However, few are betting their money on such scenario.
This summer, Sirens have been far from convincing, finishing a disappointing fourth in Division One. They went down to Sliema twice in the league, 11-9 in the preliminary round and 14-9 in the first round, offering little hope that they can really stage an upset at the National Pool and spoil Sliema's party.
The Tal-Qroqq pool was transformed into a colourful and noisy venue last Friday as the fans of Neptunes and Sliema turned up in large numbers, providing a unique spectacle that raised the sport's profile by several notches.
On that occasion, Sliema, with their exciting crop of young players coming to the fore, looked better prepared to last the distance.
Neptunes played superbly in the opening two sessions but faded in the latter stages of the derby, a crucial phase where, perhaps, Paolo Malara's team lost their plot before succumbing to an 11-7 defeat.
Sliema were ecstatic after their victory over Neptunes but Afric was quick to remind the fans that the derby win still left the Blues with work to do to retain the league crown. The title will be secured if the Blues avoid defeat today.
The Croatian mentor will surely have stressed the importance of keeping one's focus during his meetings with the players this week.
Meanwhile, the first matches from the 2009 Division Two KO will be played today and tomorrow.
Marsaxlokk take on Ta' Xbiex in today's semi-final and tomorrow, Marsascala, runners-up in the league, play Otters in the preliminary round. The winners of this tie will face Division Two champions Exiles in the other semi-final on Wednesday.
The finals of the KO competitions this year are scheduled for August 23.
Programme
Today: Division Two KO SF 6.15 p.m. Marsaxlokk vs Ta' Xbiex. Division One 7.30 p.m. Sirens vs Sliema.
Tomorrow: Division Two KO preliminary round 5.15 p.m. Marsascala vs Otters. Division One 6.30 p.m. Neptunes vs San Ġiljan.