Neptunes Emirates 13

Sliema McDonlads 11

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

Neptunes made the first step to hold on to the championship they had won last season, but they had to dig deep to emerge winners with a double goal advantage at the end.

The champions began well, with an early two-goal lead, but then they had to suffer the Blues’ insistence, as Sliema grabbed a single goal advantage till the end of the opening period, despite Nicky Lanzon’s early hat- trick.

In the second session the two sides put in two goals apiece, after each other, with the lead changing hands twice, before Neptunes replied once more with another brace of goals.

At the interval it was the champions in front, with a 7-6 score.

Neptunes enhanced their advantage in the third period, with a further two strikes, but Sliema bounced back admirably and they went on level terms, as the champions lost Tamas Molnar, ousted with substitution.

Nevertheless, it was Neptunes who ended the session on a solid note, and two more strikes, to go into the last session on a favourable 11-9 scoreline.

This last period was a tight one at both ends, with little space given. Sliema crept back, to a goal behind, but the match was decided by the Neptunes’ mentor in the water, Vladimir Gopjkovic, as he planted in a couple of goals, to set Neptunes’ minds at rest.

There was not much time left. Sliema pulled a goal back, but that was that, and Neptunes extended theit winning run against Sliema this season.

Neptunes had their captain, Nicky Lanzon, with a five goal tally, and Vladimir Gojkovic put in four more, as steve Camilelri and Tamas Molnar were well marshalled throughout the match.

Neptunes also scored five times, in their eight man-ups of the match. Sliema’s Bogdan Rath helped himself to a poker of goals, and Rajmund Fodor scored three more, as the Blues had ten extra-player occasions in which they found the back of the net six times.

The second final is on Sunday, at 6.30pm.

Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 5, E. Aquilina 1, M. Stellini 1, J. Camilleri, B. Lanzon, S. Camilleri 1, V.Gojkovic 4, K. Debattista, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 1, M. Pisani

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta, N. Lubrano, R. Fodor 3, M. Meli 1, J. Sole 2, D. Paolella, M. Rizzo, C. Debono 1, P. Privitera, B. Rath 4, J. Spiteri Staines, D. Abela

Referees: M. Angileri, A. Severin