Exiles Jetfreight     6     Sliema Betsson     9

(1-2, 3-4, 1-1, 1-2)

Sliema were made to fight all the way, and the game result maybe flatters them a bit too. Exiles were there and thereabouts for most of the match, and well into the last session there was only a single goal separating the two sides, with the Blues grabbing two quick strikes, on successive man ups, to assure themselves of all three points. Sliema had Mark Meli just a spectator for this encounter, as they converted half of their eight man ups. Exiles were better on their extra player situations, scoring five times from eight. After three matches exiles are still pointless, with Sliema momentarily in top position in the standings, on seven points, but with a game more than champions, San Giljan, and Neptunes, who today will play their third league encounter.

The match had a slow start, before Kurt grixti pushed exiules in front. Sliema replied with goals of their own, from Jerome Gabarretta, passing through a positive streak, and Timmy Sullivan, to lead after the opening session of play. Edward Aquilina, back in the Sliema ranks, increased their advantage, but Andrea Bianchi reduced the deficit. Marco Cuk shot the Blues two ahead again, with Exiles showing their worth, as skipper, Kayne Lanzon, and Sean Gravina took them on level terms. Exiles were still congratulating themselves, when Sliema struck twice, in a short time, with Alex Attard and Cuk taking them to another double advantage till the interval, on a 6-4 score.

After the break Attard scored once more, to give the Blues their maximum advantage, with Lanzon cutting down on Exiles' deficit, as both sides went into the last quarter on a 7-5 Sliema lead. Grixti took exiles another notch nearer, just a goal behind, and it was close for some time. Sliema then managed to convert two man ups in successive attacks, and could breathe easier. They could then control the remaining time, to prevent their opponents from inflicting any more damage, and get back in the fray.

No hat tricks, or more personal goals were registered, at either end.

Exiles: I. Bugeja , J. Rizzo Naudi , S. Vassallo , D. Pace Lupi , D. Borg Millo , E. Gravina , S. Gravina 1, K. Grixti 2, N. Paris , A. Bianchi 1, L. Felice ,  M. Vukicevic , K. Lanzon 2

Sliema: R. Coleiro , J. Gabarretta 2, E. Aquilina 2, C. Cluett , J. Soler , K. Dowling , T. Sullivan 1, J. Brownrigg , A. Attard 2, M. Cuk 2, N. Bugelli , Z. Sciberras

Referees: P. Balzan, M. Piano

 

BOV 1 Div.

M'xlokk in third league victory

M'xlokk Fischer     12     Ta Xbiex Amigos     8

(3-1, 3-1, 3-5, 3-1)

M'xlokk went on their winning league way, obtaining their third victory in a row. They were always in front, from start to finish, and held good advantages throughout the encounter, with Ta Xbiex threatening at times, but still having to play second fiddle to the superior M'xlokk outfit. Ta Xbiex recovered Kurt Mock, with Andrew Sammut making way, and they had Jurgen Micallef back in goal, vice Jake Tanti, who took his place between the posts, after the break. M'xlokk were ably led by an irresistible Sean Meli, who poured in the goals for his side, enabling them to procure their victory. Few manups were registered, with M'xlokk netting one from three, and Ta Xbiex having to be content with one from four.

M'xlokk held a double advantage after the opening period, with Meli, Claudio Spiteri de Barro and Christian Gialanze strikes, and an Adam Maklari penalty for Ta Xbiex. M'xlokk repeated the same session score, in the second period, as Meli, twice, and Ivan Basara found their opponents' net, with skipper, Rheinhard Attard scoring for Ta Xbiex. At the interval M'xlokk were 6-2 in front.

After the break M'xlokk strode forward even further, with Meli and Karl Galea goals, but Ta Xbiex produced a comeback. Goals by Maklari, twice, the second from another penalty, Edward Meli, Michele Mifsud and Zerafa Gregory, with only another Meli reply from M'xlokk, made up a closer score, with M'xlokk taking a 9-7 advantage into the last quarter. Ranier Scerri and Meli eased M'xlokk's minds, with their goals. Ben Grech obtained Ta Xbiex's last strike, with Brian Buhagiar, the Maltese American, closing down the game's score, for M'xlokk.

Sean Meli had a field day for M'xlokk, netting a double hat trick, whilst Adam Maklari scored three times for Ta Xbiex, two from penalty throws.

M'xlokk: D. Abela , C. Spiteri de Barro 1, L. Calleja , K. Galea 1, C. Gialanze 1, C. Bugeja , S. Meli 6, I. Basara 1, B. Buhagiar 1,R. Scerri 1, K. Navarro , GL Busuttil, N. Xuereb

Ta Xbiex: J. Tanti , A. Maklari 3, A. Camenzuli , B. Grech 1, E. Meli 1, K. Mock , M. Mifsud 1, D. Schembri , G. Attard , D. Fenech ,  R. Attard 1, J. Zerafa Gregory 1, J. Micallef

Referees: P. Balzan, M. Piano