Sliema Burger King 11 Neptunes Vodafone 17

(5-6)(2-4)(1-3)(2-4)

The winter season started off with a bang, in front of a good crowd, given the rivalry between the two clubs. Neptunes lasted the game better, with the Sliema team tiring off. Neptunes were always in the lead, with Sliema chasing throughout the game. The two teams were in it till midway through the third session, but then Sliema faded away and Neptunes punished them fully, as they established a good seven goal run in between two sessions. Ryan Coleiro went in goal for Sliema in the third session, and Neptunes’ Ryan Sciortino replaced Nicky Gouder in goal in the last moments, suffering the game’s last couple of goals.

Sliema scored five times in their seven man-up plays, and Neptunes found the net seven times in their eleven man-up situations. This was probably the biggest scoring match between these two sides in competitions.

Sliema: J. Soler 3, C. Debono 3, A. Bianchi 3, D. Paolella 1, M. Rizzo 1

Neptunes: S. Camilleri 5, K. Galea 3, M. Stellini 3, M. Pisani 3, N. Lanzon 1, J. Brownrigg 1, D. Camilleri 1

Referees: P. Balzan, M. Dalli

Marsaxlokk Freeport 2 Sirens 2 X 19

(0-6)(1-3)(0-6)(1-4)

The champions strolled through this match, as M’xlokk had to bear the brunt of Sirens’ pressure for practically the whole game. The great disparity was established straight from the start, as Sirens pinned their opponents in their defensive half.

Captain, Jonathan Valletta’s brace of goals set the scene for a big win for the St Paul’s Bay side. They were strenghtened by the return of Paul Privitera, and look well set to defend the league title won last season. Stand-in goalkeeper, Alan Grech, took Joe Caruana Dingli’s place as early as the second session, and coach, John Farrugia, roped in his youngsters frequently, given the nature of the encounter. M’xlokk look set for a harrowing time in this winter league, which was given a miss last year, but resumed again this season.

M’xlokk missed all of their three man-up plays whilst Sirens could afford to score only once in four extra player occasions.

M’xlokk: E. Pisani 1, A. Farrugia 1

Sirens: K. Montfort 4, J. Valletta 3, N. Cassar 3, J. Rizzo Naudi 2, J. Borg 2, C. Zammit 2, K. Rizzo Naudi 1, P. Privitera 1, C. Mercieca 1

Referees: M. Angileri, A. DeRaffaele