Neptunes Vodafone 6

Sirens 2X 8

(1-4, 2-4, 1-0, 2-0)

Eight goals in the first 16 minutes of play paved the way for Sirens' eighth seasonal win, a victory that gave them sole leadership for the first time when only two weeks are left in this summer's campaign.

A superb tally of six goals from their first six man-ups helped John Farrugia's side open a remarkable five-goal lead, 8-3, at the change of ends. It was a total team effort that led to Sirens' win but one has to mention Joe Caruana Dingli's excellent form this season, Jonathan Valletta's master minding the team, Charles Zammit's consistency, especially against Neptunes, and Clint Mercieca's return to top form.

The St Paul's Bay side then opted for a possession game in the final two sessions with their well-knit defence neutralising Neptunes' offensive forays. This was the Reds' fifth consecutive game without a win and Sergio Afric's hopes to beat his own jinx with Neptunes seem very bleak now as the Balluta side look set to forfeit once again their title hopes and only a miracle could lead to a far-flung but still possible, unprecedented, four-team decider.

Karl Galea gave Neptunes an early lead but in-form duo Clint Mercieca and Charles Zammit shared a brace apiece to help Sirens end the first session 4-1 ahead.

Lanzon had two goals for Neptunes in the second session (the second on a penalty with Caruana Dingli excluded and Mercieca acting as a stand-in custodian) but Sirens were on song as they continued to pierce Neptunes' rearguard with Mercieca grabbing his poker and ex-Neptunes Zammit getting his hat-trick. Captain Jonathan Valletta also left his mark as he scored on a break.

Sirens lessened their offensive intensity in the third session, aware of their five-goal lead. Their zone defence was giving results as Neptunes were at times too obvious in their build-up.

However after messing their first man-up in their seventh instance, Sirens suffered a well-taken Sean Gravina goal as this youngster gave his experienced team-mates a boost.

Sergio Afric rotated his players in his quest to find the right blend as Sirens continued defending their lead as the last session started progressing.

The clock started ticking down in Sirens' favour and two and a half minutes from the end Steve Camilleri reduced the arrears by converting a penalty after a Montfort foul on Galea.

A minute later Neptunes made it 8-6 when captain Niki Lanzon obtained his hat-trick on a Zammit exclusion. The Reds ended with a three on six statistic in man-ups after messing a final man-up in the last minute with opposing goalkeeper Joe Caruana Dingli distinguishing himself with a further three consecutive saves.

Sirens now are favourites for the title but they have to face an arduous task next week when facing reigning champions Sliema with Marsascala, their next opponents, still in the run.

Sirens: J. Caruana Dingli, A. Grech, J. Rizzo Naudi, K. Rizzo Naudi, C. Cauchi, J. Valletta 1, J. Borg, D. Cutajar, K. Montfort, C. Zammit 3, C. Mercieca 4, R. Attard, N. Cassar.

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 3, S. Camilleri 1, K. Galea 1, E. Cachia, J. Brownrigg, S. Gravina 1, J. Bonnici, D. Camilleri, M. Azzopardi, A. Sammut, M. Stellini, M. Pisani .

Refs: A. Severo, M. Dalli

Division II

Exiles RMF 21

Otters 4

(5-2, 4-0, 4-1, 8-1)

Exiles: J. Cuschieri, M. Grima, M. Zarb 1, A. Borg Cole, T. Sullivan 7, K. Camilleri, G. Buttigieg 1, J. Cremona 1, J. Tabone 1, A. Arrigo, J. Vella 6, W. Privitera 1, M. Calleja 3.

Otters: R. Grech, D. Saliba, G. Zammit, S. Grech 4, J. Zammit, J. Buttigieg, P. Saliba, K. Mizzi, J. Cefai, F. Bajada, E. Farrugia, B. Pavia, M. Tabone, S. Dimech.

Refs: M. Angileri, P. Giordano

San Giljan FC 12

Valletta United F. Rest 9

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

San Giljan: D. Camilleri, J. Spiteri, K. Lanzon, C. Bonello, G. Ghirxi, M. Zammit 3, I. Azzopardi, M. Pace, G. Farrugia 2, A. Borda, S. Borg 7, D. Camilleri, K. Grima Scott.

Valletta: E. Arrigo, G. Sammut 1, Mau. Camilleri, Marco Camilleri, D. Degiorgio, D. Saliba 1, A. Galea 3, J. Farrugia 1, F. Testa, C. Saliba, P.Bonnici, M. Zammit 3, E. Pisani.

Refs: P. Balzan, R. Spiteri