White Hart 2
Hotsticks 1

White Hart recorded their first win of the season in a close encounter.

After a period of Hotsticks’ pressure, White Hart went ahead on 29 minutes when Keith Laferla converted a penalty stroke in style.

Hotsticks pressed for the remaining minutes of the first half but the score remained unchanged.

They attacked strongly after the break and equalised in the 39th minute through Lucas Plaehn. But, on 54 minutes, Karl Tua scored for White Hart after a lengthy action in the D to put his team 2-1 ahead.

White Hart had a shot cleared off the line two minutes later. Hotsticks did not give up and pushed White Hart back into defence but they were unable to alter the score.

Young Stars 2
Rabat 1

The game began at a frantic tempo which continued right through the first half.

Rabat won a penalty corner which led to Young Stars goalkeeper James Mizzi saving two shots at point blank.

Tight marking limited forward play but on 18 minutes Joseph Dalli shot Young Stars ahead following a good move.

Rabat equalised when Josef Antonelli found the net meeting a cross from the right.

The second half produced one of the best periods of hockey seen so far this season, with both teams going all out for goals and the technical side of the game at its best.

Both sides missed chances earlier on but in the 45th minute, Edward Hughes put Young Stars in front after a prolonged action in the D.

Rabat reacted strongly and forced six short corners but Young Stars held firm to deny the leaders.

Standings: Rabat 9; Qormi 8; Young Stars 5; White Hart 4; Hotsticks 2 (Qormi and Hotsticks have a game in hand).