Group A
San Giljan Giuseppe’s 8
Sliema McDonalds 7
(3-1, 3-2, 2-2, 0-2)
The Saints were the better prepared side for this encounter. A rasping start had them on a healthy advantage till the interval as they scored in their first three man ups. Sliema were dithering by then and void of ideas.
After the interval San Giljan extended their lead, and went on a par in goal difference with the Blues as regards the top placing. From then on Sliema improved in their play as they reduced the arrears.
They scored twice more in the final session, but frittered extra player occasions, as did the Saints, with the latter holding their noses in front till the end of the match, to assure themselves of a place in the Premier Division.
Nikola Sutic grabbed a poker of goals for the Saints, in their prestigious win.
San Giljan: D. Camilleri, JC Cutajar, N. Sutic 4, K. Galea 1, B. Plumpton, R. Mock, B. Letica , A. Bianchi 2, K. Mock, C. Gialanze 1, P. Fava, D. Abela, M. Pisani
Sliema: I. Gergely, J. Gabarretta 2, N. Lubrano 1, P. Privitera, M. Meli, J. Soler 1, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono 1, F. Salamon 1, M. Rizzo, M. Spiteri Staines, R. Coleiro.
Referees: I. Sciriha, M. Dalli
Ta’ Xbiex Amigos 9
Exiles Ferretti 18
(1-3, 1-5, 3-5, 4-5)
Exiles ended their group games with an expected victory over Ta’ Xbiex, who found the going very tough in this group. Exiles won all their four sessions of play and converted all of their four man ups.
Ta’ Xbiex: L. Borg, J. Cremona, B. Szabo, K. Falzon, A. Galea, C. Bugeja, A. Bugeja 1, K. Galea 2, J. Tabone, C. Saliba, R. Attard , O. Zammit 1, Y. Szeles 5.
Exiles: A. Borg Cole, J. Rizzo Naudi 1, K. Rizzo, M. Paris 2, D. Pace Lupi 1, T. Sullivan, S. Vassallo 1, J. Spiteri Staines 3, K. Griscti 2, D. Borg 2, P. Borg 1, A. Kunac 2, M. Toth 3, S. Galea Pace.
Referees: R. Spiteri, P. Balzan
Group B
Neptunes Emirates 21
Valletta Sterling 2
(8-0, 5-1, 4-0, 4-1)
The last match in the preliminary round was a stroll for the champions, who had target practice against the Citizens. Valletta will now concentrate on their games in the lower division, and Neptunes will prepare to defend their title, won these last two seasons.
Neptunes: I. Bugeja , G. Pace, E. Aquilina 2, M. Stellini 3, Z. Mizzi 2, A. Ciric 1, S. Camilleri 7, J. Camilleri 2, B. Lanzon, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, C. Mercieca 3.
Valletta: E. Arrigo, S. Meli 1, R. Calleja, A. Galea, T. Agius 1, S. Cachia, A. Galea, M. Cordina, JC Farrugia, D. Zoltan, A. Arrigo, A. Sammut, K. Hyzler.
Referees: A. DeRaffaele, P. Giordano.