Ta’ Xbiex ASC 15

Valletta Dhalia 16

(4-4), (4-4), (5-3), (2-5)

With their vociferous supporters behind them, Valletta made it a two win start to their group encounters, once more gaining victory with the odd goal, and again coming from two goals behind, in the final period. There was nothing to choose between the two sides till the interval, as they stayed close to each other. Ta’ Xbiex made a breakthrough after the break, and started the last session with a double lead. Valletta fought back, and netted three goals in a row, the only time throughout the game. Ta’ Xbiex rallied back, but it was Valletta with the winning goal, as they went to the top pf their group, albeit with a match more.

Ta’ Xbiex relied mainly on their foreign imports, as the two Hungarians both made pokers of goals. They also had a perfect record of man ups, beating the Valletta defence on all eight occasions. Rheinhard Attard was missing, with his place taken by Brandon Scott Dougal.

Valletta had the experienced Timmy Camilleri in their ranks for the first time, taking the place of Micallef. Robert Kovacs was their inspiration in this victory, helping himself to a six goal tally, and Clyde Bonello also put in a hat trick, including the winning strike.

On the other hand Valletta were not so productive when with an extra player in the water. They were 12 times in that advantageous position, but only managed to score in half of them. They would have kicked themselves had they not won, as they wasted not one, but two double man ups, both in the last session, due to their hasty shooting, but all came out right for them in the end.

Ta’ Xbiex: L. Borg, J. Tabone, S. Vassallo 2, C. Cluett 2, D. Borg, JC Decelis, T. Gyrovath 4, E. Bonello 1, M. Cordina 1, C. Saliba 1, B. Scott Dougal, M. Spiteri, Y. Szeles 4

Valletta: A. Sammut, A. Decker 2, K. Hyzler, C. Bonello 3, G. Sammut 2, S. cachia, A. Galea, T. Camilleri, R. Kovacs 6, S. Cini, A. Arrigo, G. Ghirxi 1, T. Agius 2

Referees: M. Dalli, R. Spiteri