3CX Exiles 10

Sliema McDonalds 14

(3-2)(1-4)(3-3)(3-5)

Sliema will be taking a four goal cushion with them to the return match, next Tuesday, but they were made to fight hard, and it was only after a missed penalty, by Exiles’ Marco Cuk, that Sliema drew away from tenacious opponents to open up their advantage.

Sliema were without John Soler, with Michael Spiteri Staines taking his place.

They were a goal behind after the opening session, but recovered till the interval, when they were leading 6-4. Exiles managed to share the exchanges after the break, with the Blues holding on to their double lead. Then came Cuk’s failed penalty shot, smashing against an upright, and Sliema broke away, for a healthier advantage.

Exiles had seven man-ups in their favour, but they converted three of them. Sliema were far more proficient, failing only once in their eight extra player occasions.

Despite his missed penalty, Cuk finished up as the game’s top scorer, with a poker of goals. Sliema had three players all on hat tricks, Jerome Gabarretta, Mark Meli and Bogdan Rath.

Exiles: A. Borg Cole, J. Rizzo Naudi 2, K. Rizzo Naudi, D. Pace Lupi 2, T. Sullivan 1, M. Calleja 1, M. Cuk 4, K. Griscti, A. Zarb Cousin, A. Cousin, J. Paris, A. Sciberras, K. Lanzon

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta 3, N. Lubrano, R. Fodor 2, M. Meli 3, M. Spiteri Staines, D. Paolella 2, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono, P. Privitera 1, B. Rath 3, D. Abela

Referees: M. Angileri, R. Colombo