The writing was on the wall for the St Paul’s Bay side. Neptunes are clicking merrily at this moment in time.

They showed their versatility in the fact that their first six goals were all scored from different players. It was more of a training spin for them, where they could work out several tactics, and Sirens were falling steadily behind with each passing session.

To make matters worse for the losers, they also botched up the two penalties awarded to them, both saved by different goalies, Joe Sammut in the second period, denying Csaba Kiss, and there was Ryan Sciortino between the sticks, in the last session, to save off Dino Zammit. Sirens also failed to score from their three man ups

Neptunes were already 10-3 ahead when they were a player to the good, which they missed. Their second extra player occasion came in the last session, when Steve Camilleri scored one of his nap hand of goals. Nicky Lanzon and Tamas Molnar also obliged with a hat trick each. Clint Mercieca led Sirens with a brace of goals.

Just for the record, Neptunes beat off Sirens in the first round of league play, on Wednesday 15 June, exactly with the same score.

Neptunes have thus moved closer to a place in the final. The return encounter, just a formality, will be played tomorrow.

Sirens: J. Sammut, A. Attard, P. Micallef, P. Borg , C. Kiss, R. Mock, J. Borg 1, D. Cutajar 1, G. Krstonosic 1, C. Zammit, N. Grixti, D. Zammit, C. Mercieca 2.

Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 3, E. Aquilina 1, M. Stellini, J. Camilleri 1, Z. Mizzi, S. Camilleri 5, V. Gojkovic 2, B. Buhagiar, S. Gravina 1, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 3, M. Pisani 1.

Refeees: M. Dalli, F. Ricciotti.

Today’s programme

Tal-Qroqq Pool: Division I KO semifinal 6.45pm Sliema McDonalds-3CX Exiles; Division II KO semifinal 8pm Otters Nivea-Ta’ Xbiex ASC