Neptunes 10
Exiles 7
(5-1, 2-2, 1-0, 2-4)
Neptunes Vodafone registered their third successive victory yesterday, this time at the expense of Exiles Pender Gardens in a match which had the Reds making a flying start to go 5-1 ahead in the first session and extend that advantage to 7-1 midway through the second.
However, Exiles fought bravely to stem this adversity also taking advantage of the Balluta Bay team's casual mode resulting probably from a dose of over-confidence.
Michele Stellini, who eventually slotted in four goals, and Niki Lanzon, scorer of a hat-trick, provided Neptunes with that comfortable early cushion. But in the end, the Reds must have felt somewhat embarrassed at not having driven home their superiority.
However, Joe Caruana Dingli's squad should be commended for their discipline and fighting spirit, qualities which made for a much-improved performance on the previous outing against Sliema.
In the second match of the day, the promise San Giljan had shown in their opening outing against their neighbours Neptunes over a fortnight ago, surfaced more prominently yesterday as the Saints deservedly defeated Sirens Hard Rock Cafe who again looked a dispirited lot despite trying their best to make an impact on the game.
Clearly, the absence of Karl Montfort for the third match on the trot from the St Paul's Bay team is not the only factor for their patchy form.
Yesterday, they again lacked conviction in front of the opposing goal and had no grit when defending their fort.
On the other hand, Matthew Zammit's contribution for San Giljan was again massive, with his naphand of goals proving to be a windfall for his team.
Andrea Bianchi, scorer of three goals, also stood out for his opportunism while the others all pulled their weight.
Sirens will have to improve if they are hoping for better pastures this year.
Neptunes 10
Exiles 7
(5-1, 2-2, 1-0, 2-4)
Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 3, T. Agius, K. Galea 1, E. Cachia, K. Micallef, J. Camilleri, R. Attard, D. Camilleri, S. Gravina, J. Paris 1, M. Stellini 4, M. Pisani 1, D. Caruana, A. Cachia.
Exiles: A. Borg Cole, S. Vassallo, K. Rizzo Naudi 2, D. Pace Lupi 1, T. Sullivan, J. Rizzo Naudi, M. Rizzo 2, K. Griscti, M. Galea, K. Enriquez, S. Cini, A. Zarb Cousin, M. Calleja 2, R. Bonnici, G. Galea.
Refs: M. Caruana, I. Sciriha.
San Giljan 11
Sirens 8
(4-2, 3-1, 1-2, 3-3)
San Giljan: D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri de Barro, S. Farrugia, K. Grech, M. Zammit 5, M. Pace, A. Bianchi 3, G. Ghirxi, P. Fava, J. Xerri de Caro 2, K. Lanzon 1.
Sirens: A. Grech, T. Debono, T. Galea 1, P. Privitera 1, E. Bonello, R. Mock, J. Borg 1, D. Cutajar 2, P. Borg, R. Scerri 1, C. Mercieca 2, R. Attard, J. Sammut.
Refs: M. Dalli, A. DeRaffaele.