A Marco Booij goal from six metres, on an immediate shot following a foul, just half a second from the end, determined this second division decider that had an interesting finale after a somewhat drab initial 12 minutes of play.

Exiles staged a remarkable comeback after trailing 6-3 behind with only a session to go.

Marsascala looked psychologically superior on the 24 minute mark but then surely felt the absence of Alan Galea (sent off after 14 minutes) and Paul Fava (three fouls after 27 minutes). They committed a terrible blunder 11 seconds from time when Popovski shot at goal when they could have maintained possession till the end.

A Popovski brace helped the greens forge 4-1 ahead after four goals in two and a half minutes.

Although ex-Joe Cremona helped Exiles to reduce the gap momentarily to one goal, 4-3, M’Scala closed the third session 6-3 in the lead after goals from Fava and a Liam Grixti shot that was first saved and then put into the net by Imbroll.

Exiles, who looked very shaky and imprecise up to this point, also missing some sitters, were a different outfit in the final session.

A John Paris hat-trick helped them to 7-7. After Booij incredibly missed on a break, David Pace Lupi scored from the centre to give Exiles the lead even though at this moment a very short referee’s whistle was heard.

M’Scala’s reply was immediate as just 21 seconds later, Grixti gave an assist to Ryan Cutajar for 8-8. The greens seemed to have regained their confidence when 52 seconds from the end, Mark Borg Spiteri scored his third on the day when Paris failed to return to the defence.

The game was not over and 29 seconds from the end, Martin Calleja gave his second assist (the first earlier on a Paris goal) to Joe Cremona who flicked into the net from close range.

Despite a time-out, M’Scala opted for a quick shot and Exiles won the ball with enough time for Booij to come within shooting range and grab the championship deciding winner.

After the game, Joe Cremona was presented with the Wilkinson Sword second division trophy by the agents’ representative, Mr Simon Debono.

Exiles: N. Imbroll, A. Borg Cole, M. Zarb, D. Pace Lupi 1, T. Sullivan, G. Buttigieg, J. Paris 4, J. Cremona 3, J. Tabone, S. Gravina, M. Booij 2, A. Arrigo, M. Calleja.

M’Scala: I. Bugeja, J. Cachia, M. Spiteri, A. Galea, M. Borg Spiteri 3, S. Popovski 2, P. Fava 1, L. Grixti 1, S. Micallef 1, M. Fava, R. Cutajar 1, M. Zammit, D. Ciappara.

Refs: M. Dalli, P. Balzan