Sliema McDonalds 6

Neptunes V 9

(3-2)(2-1)(1-3)(0-3)

Sliema lost their proud, unbeaten record in their last league match, and Neptunes had the satisfaction of partially denting Sliema’s celebrations in winning the league trophy for the thirtieth time.

Sliema had a psoitive start, and they were well worth their lead at half time, but as the game progressed it was Neptunes who grew in strength, and they finished the match on a top note, as Sliema were guilty of wasting some glaring chances, which could have saved them the game.

John Soler started the champions off, but Ivan Zanetic made the score level. Raymond Fodor and Soler put Sliema on a sound footing, but Adam Decker reduced Neptunes’ lead till the end of the quarter. Milan Aleksic made it 3-3 soon after the start of the second session, but Fodor restored Sliema’s advantage.

Neptunes could have equalised once more, but Aleksic’s central effort from a penalty was easily saved by Josie Cachia, and to rub salt into the wound, it was Soler who doubled the champions'’lead till the interval, on a 5-3 score.

The second part of the match was a different affair, as Neptunes began to impose their style of play. A couple of Zanetic goals made the score level, but Clint Debono put Sliema ahead once more. Neptunes’ Adam Decker made it 6-6 with a session to go. Michele Stellini put Neptunes in front for the first time in the game, but Sliema had enough occasions to overturn the score, which were all frittered, and they paid the price, as Neptunes broke through, and Aleksic and Karl Galea put the final result beyond any doubt. Sliema were stung, but they graciously accepted their defeat, and their supporters could make merry at the end of the encounter, when BOV Chief Officer, Peter Perotti, presented the Championship Trophy to Sliema captain, Josie Cachia.

Sliema: J. Cachia, J. Gabarretta, E. Aquilina, R. Fodor 2, M. Meli, J. Soler 3, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono 1, J. Valletta, J. Falzon, O. Frick, R. Coleiro

Neptunes: N. Gouder, A. Decker 2, M. Aleksic 2, K. Galea 1, E. Cachia, M. Zammit, J. Paris, I. Zanetic 3, D. Camilleri, N. Lanzon, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini 1, M. Pisani

Referees: A. Pascucci, I. Sciriha

Marsascala O&S 6

Ta’ Xbiex MP 10

(4-2)(0-3)(2-3)(0-2)

Ta’ Xbiex were the better prepared side for this match, as they kept on their defence of the honour won last season. They booked a place in the semi final, against Marsaxlokk. They also overcame a difficult opening, as Marsaskala's Fabio Valenti had an explosive start, with a six minute hat trick.

From then on Ta’ Xbiex had the match in hand, and save for a small hiccup in the third sesion, there was never any doubt as to who the victors were going to be.

After Valenti's opening goals, Ta’ Xbiex settled down, and they managed to reduce the arrears till the end of the quarter. In the second session Marsaskala were on the receiving end, and a trio of goals had Ta’ Xbiex in front at the interval on a 5-4 score.

After the break Ta’ Xbiex were still increasing their lead, but Marsaskala finally had a reply, to crawl back to just a goal behind.

Their hopes were then dashed as Roman Polacik came into the picture. Two penalties, at the end of the third quarter, and the beginning of the last session, had Ta’ Xbiex on a good advantage, and Polacik broke through once more late in the session, to score the last goal of the match.

Marsaskala: I. Bugeja, C. Gialanze, F. Valenti 3, A. Tingali, M. Borg Spiteri 1, L. Grixti, J. Licari 2, J. Cremona, S. Micallef, J. Cutajar, D. Cassar, M. Spiteri, S. Farrugia

Ta’ Xbiex: A. Bianchi, J. Tabone, M. Manara 2, B. Desira Buttigieg, K. Engerer, W. Privitera, P. Paolella 1, R. Polacik 3, T. Debono 1, C, Zammit 2, J. Surim 1, A. Tanti, D. Pisani

Referees: A. de Rffaele, M. Angileri