Young Stars   3

Hotsticks   0

Umpires: Anthony Tabone, Paul Brincat

The game came alive in the 7th minute, when in the first penalty corner action won by Young Stars, Mark Camilleri shot them ahead.

Hotsticks reacted, winning a penalty corner of their own, which bore no fruit. 

Goalmouth actions were few and far between.  From then on Young Stars did create a couple of half chances with Luke Borg Costanzi missing the easiest one before the break.

The second half started very much in the same vein with midfield play dominating proceedings but in the 41st minute Young Stars went further ahead when Luke Borg Costanzi lashed on to a through ball and scored Young Stars’ second goal. 

In the 43rd minute they went further ahead when Jonathan Ellul slotted home on the rebound after a previous shot had hit the post. 

Although three nil down, Hotsticks did not give up and won seven penalty corners between the 45th and 67th minute creating a couple of half chances along the way, but their pressure did not alter the scoreline.

Rabat  3

Qormi   1

Umpires: Luke Busuttil Leaver, Manuel Imbroll

As a result of this victory, Rabat have gone to the top of the table at the end of the first round.    

After a studious early period by both teams, Rabat were awarded a penalty stroke and James Azzopardi shot his side ahead in the 13th minute.   

After two sharp exchanges at both ends, Joseph Cuschieri equalised for Qormi in the 23rd minute with a crisp volley.  

Both teams created another goal scoring chance each but the score remained unchanged at half time.

Rabat started the second half strongly and created two scoring chances early on.  

Qormi won a penalty corner in the 42nd minute but did not avail themselves of the opportunity presented. 

Rabat then went ahead in the 44th minute when Charlot Antonelli scored. 

They then had a shot cleared off the line in the 56th minute and Qormi were awarded three penalty corners between the 61st and 65th minutes.  

But it was Rabat who went further ahead in the 67th minute when Charlot Antonelli bagged his second goal to give Rabat a 3-1 lead.  

There was still time for more excitement as Rabat were awarded another penalty stroke but Charlot Antonelli missed scoring a hat-trick as his push hit the post to leave the score unchanged.