Group A

Sirens Ritter Sports 17

Ta Xbiex ASC 10

(3-3)(5-3)(4-3)(5-0)

Sirens grabbed the second spot in the standings, thanks to a better goal difference, after the direct encounters are worked out. Sirens presented the same formation as in their last encounter, against Valletta. Ta Xbiex made two changes, as Michael Agius and Brandon Muscat were in lieu of Michael Paris and Matthew Spiteri.

Ta Xbiex were a competitive outfit until the last quarter. They were more fruitful in their man ups, netting the first three, before missing the last one. They had Tamas Gyrovath with a hat trick. Sirens had to come from a two goal deficit, early on in the second period, before a five goal run had them in front, and from then on they never relinquished their advantage. Ta Xbiex still stayed close until an opening brace, in the last session, put the issue beyond any doubt, in favour of Sirens.

The St. Pauls Bay side scored on four occasions, in seven extra player instances, and in Balazs Nyeki and Charles Zammit they had five goal players. Dino Zammit scored the last three strikes for the winners. And Clint Mercieca also registered a hat trick.

It was all-square after the opening session, and slthough ta Xbiex held a lead in the second period, at the interval Sirens were on an 8-6 advantage, after a five goal burst.

Sirens still held the edge after the break, to start the final quarter three goals in front. They then dominated the last eight minutes, leaving Ta Xbiex in their wake.

Neptunes Emirates 13

3CX Exiles 8

(4-2)(4-1)(4-2)(1-3)

It was another routine victory for Neptunes, adding Exiles’ scalp, to top their group with maximum points. Exiles twice held a lead in the opening minutes, but then they had to play second fiddle, as Neptunes, produced a seven goal run, in two sessions, to break clear. Exiles tried to make the score a more respectable one, and they succeeded in the last period, when Neptunes toned down their marking, and second goalie, Ryan Sciortino, who was between the sticks, was beaten on three occasions.

Neptunes scored on their first four extra man advantages, but failed in the other two. Exiles were more wasteful, when in a total of seven man ups, they only managed to score twice. Steve Camilelri continues to pump in the goal for Neptunes, with another poker, and Tamas Molnar running close behind, with three goals. Exiles had Timmy Sullivan with three strikes.

Despite Exiles’ early flourish, it was Neptunes on a two goal lead, after the first period. They followed this up with another four goal run, before exiles could reply, and at the interval it was 8-3 for the Balluta Bay side.

Neptunes were still extending their advantage after the break, with another four goals, and a missed Steve Camilleri penalty throw, although Exiles managed to react with two goals of their own. The last session saw just theone strike by Neptunes, with Exiles having a happier ending, as they grabbed a trio of goals, before the end of the match.