When Exiles Ferretti scored a dramatic 12-11 victory over Sirens in their previous relegation pool match, hopes were raised among their clan of a volte face in their bid to avoid the bottom place in the Premier Division and a consequent decider against the First Division champions to determine who wins a place in the top league next season.

These aspirations were kept alive when yesterday Exiles beat Valletta McDonald’s 9-8 to join the City team on the nine-point mark.

According to the Aquatic Sport Association competition rules a play-off will be required to ascertain the bottom place if Valletta lose their remaining league match against Sirens Ritter Sport.

Maurizio Mirarchi’s Exiles are to be commended for their comeback after yet another inspirational performance yesterday backed by teamwork and determination which had them leading throughout after going two goals adrift early in the opening session.

They had a tight rearguard and took their chances well on numerical parity.

A feature of the game was the duel between thoroughbreds Marco Cuk and Gergely Kiss.

In the end honours were shared between the two players, with each of them netting a hat-trick.

Valletta may have been forced to play below their potential as a result of their opponents’ graft, and except for a final flurry after drifting to a 9-5 deficit early in the final quarter, they never looked confident enough to pull through.

Exiles’ collective play had been superior.

Exiles 9
Valletta 8

(3-2, 3-2, 2-1, 1-3)

Exiles: I. Bugeja, J. Rizzo Naudi, S, Vassallo 2, D. Pace Lupi 1, R. Blary 2, J. Spiteri Staines, M. Paris, K. Grixti, S. Galea Pace, A. Bianchi 1, M. Cuk 3, P. Paris, K. Lanzon

Valletta: R. Sciortino, O. Zammit, M. Rizzo 2, K. Galea, A. Agius, R. Mock 1, G. Kiss 3, N. Bonello Ghio, M. Cordina 1, C. Zammit 1, D. Paolella, D. Filipovic, D. Camilleri

Referees: R. Colombo, M. Ruscica.

Playing today
First Division: 18.15 Otters Nivea vs Ta’ Xbiex Amigos; 19.30 Marsaxlokk Fischer vs Marsascala Nutrition Empire.

Premier Division

First Division