The Malta Independent 23 August 2026, Sunday
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Football – Bank Of Valletta first division: Hamrun win championship in style

Malta Independent Monday, 30 April 2007, 00:00 Last update: about 13 years ago

Hamrun Spartans clinched the First Division Championship in style demolishing Qormi in a one way traffic affair. The already promoted Spartans needed the victory to make sure of the title victory, and they assured themselves with a five star performance against a demotivated Qormi side.

Veteran captain Stefan Sultana confirmed that he is still a deadly finisher in front of goal scoring a hat trick. Meilak produced another great game, with others like Rupert Mangion, Kevin Borg and Evano Briffa giving their all round contribution.

Hamrun Spartans roared forward from the very first minute, urged by their loyal and numerous fans. Although without the suspended Gaetan Spiteri and Ryan Fenech, Hamrun were still dominant and Qormi had to defend for long stretches.

In the opening minutes Hamrun could have easily taken the lead but Debattista and Evano Briffa missed easy chances in front of goal. On12 minutes Hamrun finally broke the deadlock, when from a Neville Galea cross, captain Stefan Sultana headed beautifully home.

Hamrun continued to press their opponents into their own penalty area and on 24 minutes they were two goals up. Rupert Mangion started the move with Evano Briffa's shot saved by Matthew Farrugia, the same Farugia saved Sultana's rebound, the ball came back to Briffa whose shot was cleared off the line by Zarb Cousin, and finally Stefan Sultana slammed the ball home.

Two minutes later Qormi were back in the game when Johann Zammit was floored by Rodrick Fenech and from the resultant penalty the same Johann Zammit fired the ball home. Qormi could have obtained the equaliser five minutes later with a Johann Zammit first timer going inches wide.

On 33 minutes Hamrun re-established their two-goal lead when Stefan Sultana passed to Steve Meilak who rounded a defender in style before firing in the corner of the net for a well taken goal.

The second half was less intense with the Spartans easing the pressure but still capable of creating some scoring opportunities. On 66 minutes Hamrun scored their fourth goal when Steve Meilak passed to Stefan Sultana who powered a grounder past the helpless Matthew Farrugia.

The Spartans went close on several occasions near the end with substitute Cacciatolo hitting the crossbar.

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