Football – Bank Of Valletta First Division: Tarxien Rainbows are the Champions

Malta Independent Monday, 19 May 2008, 00:00 Last update: about 14 years ago

Tarxien Rainbows won the First Division League after easily disposing of St Patrick to claim first place in the standings and a Premiership berth after a ten-year absence. It was a deserved reward for Tarxien who were always among the leading pack, winning the final sprint with Mosta and Qormi, who will have to face each other in a decider to gain the second slot for the Premier League.

Essien Mbong had an excellent season for the Blues, together with Malcolm Buttigieg, Manuel Caruana, Simon Shead and Angus Buhagiar. Yesterday’s match was as expected a one sided affair with the Rainbows hammering in three first half goals to start their championship celebrations in style followed by a large number of supporters.

Tarxien took their opponents by storm in the opening stages creating several scoring chances in the first ten minutes and having an Angus Buhagiar goal disallowed for offiside. However on fifteen minutes the Rainbows were not to be denied when Angus Buhagiar fired low into the corner of the net after receiving from Decesare.

On 22 minutes Buhagiar passed to the unmarked Mbong whose shot from the edge of the area slightly missed the upright. Tarxien eased the pressure and a Carl Vassallo cross-shot went slightly over the bar.

Tarxien doubled the score on the 35th when Angus Buhagiar did all the running on the right flank and crossed towards Simon Shead who first timed at the back of the net. Tarxien were now in full command and John Paul Muscat could have added another goal after a solo run.

Just before the break Tarxien put the issue beyond doubt when St Patrick goalkeeper Cassar fumbled a Buttigieg cross and Simon Shead slotted the ball home.

For the second period Tarxien completely eased the pressure as St Patrick took the upperhand. The Saints were never dangerous apart from the dying minutes when defender Ramon Schembri cleared off the line and Simon Zerafa missed a penalty which was saved by the Rainbows goalkeeper Cini.

After the match MFA vic-president Carmel Bartolo presented the Tarxien players with the championship trophy, as the Rainbows supporters started their celebrations.