Rabat 2

Hotsticks 1

Umpires: Reno Cremona, Edward Hughes

Hotsticks were the more purposeful team in the first half and deserved their goal lead at the interval.  

In fact, after Ryan Dalli netted in the 20th minute they were never in danger of relinquishing their advantage up to half time.

The situation changed when after the change of ends Rabat equalised in the 38th minute through Mario Galea. 

They exerted further pressure winning three penalty corners in quick succession and went ahead in the 54th minute through Josef Antonelli but only after Hotsticks had not taken advantage of two one-on-one situtations which Rabat’s goalkeeper smothered to safety.  

In the end Rabat ran out winners by the odd goal in three leaving them a point behind Qormi at the end of the second round of the championship.

Standings

When all teams have played eight matches, Qormi lead the way with 13 points followed by Rabat, one point behind. Young Stars are third with nine points, White Hart fourth with four and Hotsticks are the bottom team with only two points.