HENRY BRINCAT

The Wilkinson Sword league resumes this afternoon at the Tal-Qroqq Pool after the break for the matches involving the national team in the European B Championship in Manchester, England.

The competition now returns to the two division format with the top four teams in the first round – Sliema MCDonald’s, Neptunes Vodafone, Sirens Hard Rock Café and San Giljan Zara – battling for the championship and Exiles Pendergardens, Marsaxlokk Freeport, Marsascala 7-Up, Ta’ Xbiex Mermaids Paradise and Otters ASC playing in the second division.

Today’s programme sees leaders Sliema facing San Giljan. It is a match which Sliema should win to extend their current two point lead at the top.

In fact, Sliema are leading the standings on 16 points. They are followed by Neptunes on 14 and Sirens on 12 with San Giljan having 10 points.

Tomorrow, the Sirens-Neptunes clash promises to be much more attractive as the two sides will be keen on registering a victory to keep alive their hopes of maintaining the pace with the Blues.

In fact, if Sliema win today, they will open a four-point gap with Neptunes and will leave Sirens six points adrift.

Full programme

Today

Tal-Qroqq: U-19 4.30pm Exiles Peak Insurance-Sirens ASC; Division II 5.45pm Marsascala 7-Up-Ta’ Xbiex Mermaids Par.; Division I 7pm Sliema-San Giljan.

Tomorrow

Tal-Qroqq: Under-19 4.30pm Sliema Mcdonald’s-Marsascala SC; Division II 5.45pm Exiles Pendergardens-Otters ASC; Division I 7pm Sirens Hard Rock Café-Neptunes Vodafone