Champions Sirens effected a double on Sliema, to go on top of the table together with Neptunes.

In a balanced match Sirens showed all their determination especially in the final stages when they had to play without Jonathan Valletta and Tamas Marcz.

Tibor Benedek was Sliema’s best, even though they failed to capitalise from Sirens’ deficencies.

Sirens opened a two goal lead at the start with goals from Jonathan Valletta and a back flick by Paul Privitera.

Sliema reduced the arrears through Benedek but Marcz re-established Sirens’ two goal lead.

In the second session Sliema had a flying start with Benedek scoring a hat trick to put Sliema in front for the first time.

Sirens obtained the 4-4 thanks to a Privitera goal with a man-up situation. Sliema went back in the lead with a Paolella goal but just before the end of the session Sirens made it 5-5 with a Charlie Zammit goal.

The third session started with Sliema back in the lead with Benedek converting a penalty. Sirens scored three goals in succession to re-open a two goal lead. Marcz made it 6-6, and goals form Montfort and Clint Mercieca made it 8-6 for the champions. Goals from Sliema’s Edward Aquilina and Sirens’ Jurgen Borg terminated the session with Sirens 9-7 in front.

Howver Sirens were dealt a severe blow when they lost Jonathan Valleta for the last and final session.

Sliema looked to make full use of Valletta’s absence as they immediately reduced the arrears with a Francesco Cutajar goal. However Sirens kept their nerve and David Cutajar made it 10-8 for Sirens.

However with 70 seconds remaining Sirens had Marcz sent off and their coach John Farrugia as well.

Sliema scored again through Cutajar with a man up action, but Sirens held their slender lead in the final minute thanks to fine saves by Caruana Dingli on shots from Benedek.

Sirens 2X - J. Caruana Dingli, T. Debono, N. Cassar, P. Privitera 2, C. Zammit 1, J. Valletta 1, J. Borg 1, D. Cutajar 1, K. Montfort 1, T. Marcz 2, C. Mercieca 1, R. Attard, A. Grech.

Sliema BK - J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, E. Aquilina 1, M. Rizzo, M. Meli, J. Soler, D. Paolella 1, T. Benedek 5, C. Debono, F. Cutajar 2, G. Lubrano, A. Bianchi, R. Coleiro.

Referees - Enzo Carannante, Mario Dalli.* * *

Exiles RMF 13

Otters 5

(3-1)(4-2)(2-2)(4-0)

After their splendid debut against Marsascala, Otters failed miserably against leaders Exiles and were soundly beaten 5-13.

Exiles had an easy afternoon against a tired Gozitan side.

For Exiles Dutchman Marko Booij was making his debut instead of Gerben Silvis who is leaving Malta to take part in the European Championships.

Booij surely left a very good impression in his first outing and could prove to be an asset for Exiles.

Booij scored a brace in the first session as Exiles took a 3-1 lead. The second session was also won 4-2 by Dirk Dowling’s boys.

Otters somehow kept the pace with their opponents in the third session with goals from Stefan Grech and Marton Toth.

However Exiles made sure in the fourth and final session scoring four goals in the process through Booij, Paris, Zarb and Cremnona.

Exiles - N. Imbroll, J. Cuschieri, M. Zarb 2, D. Pace Lupi, T. Sullivan 1, G. Desira, M. Buttigieg 1, J. Paris 2, J. Cremona 1, J. Tabone, S. Gravina 2, M. Booij 4, A. Arrigo, M. Calleja.

Otters - R. Grech, K. Mizzi, G. Zammit, S. Grech 3, P. Cachia, D. Saliba, P. Saliba 1, M. Toth 1, J.P. Buttigieg, S. Scicluna, Darren Saliba 1, F. Bajada, E. Farrugia

Referee - Ivan Scriha, Alex De Raffaele