Neptunes Grimaldi   14
Sliema Betsson   9
(4-2), (5-4), (1-2), (4-1)

Practically all those who watch Waterpolo in Malta in a regular way, gave no chance to Neptunes to even challenge for the title. But after yesterday’s win, it was confirmed that Neptunes Grimaldi are mathematically champions for the 24th time. It was a brilliant campaign for Neptunes, and the cherry on the cake was beating rivals Sliema Betsson 14-9 to clinch the title.

Sliema tried to ruin their opponents’ plans and at the beginning of the match looked to might succeed in their plans as they went twice in front from Cluett and Cuk. But a brace by Jordan Camilleri and a goal by Timmy Agius, turned the tables and ending the session 4-2.

Neptunes enlarged the gap, but Sliema made a good reaction and reduced the margin to 6-5, until centre Abela and Jordan Camilleri gave again a comfortable lead that they kept until the end of the second session.

Sliema encouraged by their coach Milakovic, entered again in the game by winning the third session and reducing the gap to two goals. They had also the chance to finish the session a goal behind, but Borg Cole saved from close range the effort by Kai Dowling.

Milakovic’s team continued to attack but without success and Neptunes made sure that they win the game by scoring in the decisive moments by Radu, Abela and Stevie Camilleri to give a five-goal advantage in a deserved win.

Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon, C. Radu (2), M. Cutajar, T. Agius (2), M. Lanzon, S. Camilleri (2), J. Camilleri (5), J. Abela (3), M. Zammit, B. Lanzon, M. Azzopardi, M. Castillo

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta (2), E. Aquilina (2), C. Cluett (1), K. Dowling (1), J. Soler, M. Fenech, J. Gambin, L. Galea, A. Attard (1), M. Cuk (2), N. Bugelli, M. Muscat

Referees: Peter Balzan, Fabio Collantoni

Photos Domenic Aquilina