Grand Sliema revival opens championship issue once more

Sliema McDonalds 15

Neptunes Emirates 14

(after extra time)

(2-5)(1-3)(3-1)(6-3) – (2-1)(1-1)

This enthralling match left everyone biting their fingernails till the end, and normal time was not enough, and extra time had to be given. This was the second time this season that this happened between these two great rivals. Sliema managed to inflict a defeat against the all conquering Neptunes, their first in six encounters this season. Neptunes had to lower their colours, as a rampant Sliema side came roaring back, after the interval, to erase Neptunes’ advantage in the first final match.

Every thing seemed going to plan for the champions, as they opened up strongly, to take a valid 5-2 advantage, after the opening session of play. Neptunes kept on in the second period, winning it 3-1, and at the halfway stage they were on a solid 8-3 lead, with their numerous sipporters making merry, as they savoured the upcoming second victory.

Sliema had other thoughts, though, and a three goal burst had Neptunes in a concerned mood, until a late penalty gave them a 9-6 advantage, to take into the last period. They even increased their lead, but Sliema were not to be denied. Neptunes’ Jordan Camilleri was ousted from the match with a red card, as Sliema converted their man ups, and a four goal blitz upset Neptunes’ applecart. Sliema were in front for the first time, but Paul Privitera was also shown a red card. A late strike had the champions on level terms, and normal time went into two extra periods.

Neptunes were not in a good frame of mind, and the confident Sliema scored twice, with a reply from the champions, in between. Sliema were ahead once more, going into the second session. Goals became scarcer, but when Sliema doubled their advantage, late in the match, it was curtains for Neptunes. They did reduce the arrears, seconds from time, but there was no coming back for them, and Sliema’s supporters could finally vent their exhuberance, seeing their side level on games, in this possible five match series.

Sliema had twelve man ups, converting eight of them. John soler was their hero, with a five goal tally, and Paul Privitera and Bogdan Rath grabbing a hat trick each. Neptunes were not so hot in their man ups, scoring six times, in fifteen numerical advantages. They had Steve Camilleri and Tamas Molnar also with hat tricks.

The third final is on tomorrow, at 6.30pm.

Sliema R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta 1, N. Lubrano, R. Fodor 2, M. Meli 1, J. Soler 5, D. Paolella, M. Rizzo, C. Debono, P. Privitera 3, B. Rath 3, J. Spiteri Staines, D. Abela

Neptunes I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 2, E. Aquilina, M. Stellini 2, J. Camilleri 1, B.Lanzon, S. Camilleri 3, V. Gojkovic 2, K. Debattista, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 3, M. Pisani 1

Referees P. Balzan, S. Riccitelli