Sliema McDonalds 8

Neptunes Emirates 8

(2-3, 3-1, 2-2, 1-2)

The tense match ended all square, a result which favoured league leaders, Sliema, who remain at the top of the standings, when both sides will play their last encounter this week.

The game had its share of controversy, especially in the final session, when both sides were signalled to have made attacking fouls, in the last minute of the game. Neptunes had come back from a two goal deficit, to draw level, after Sliema had fluffed an easy chance seconds earlier. In these hectic minutes Sliema lost two players on fouls, Clint Debono and Daniel Paolella, and later on the Neptunes captain, Niki Lanzon was shown the red card, presumably for dissent.

Neptunes had eked out a slight 3-2 advantage in the opening session, but Sliema came right back in the next session, and overturned a two goal deficit, to lead 5-4 at the interval.

Neptunes drew level after the break, but then went two goals behind, before they pulled a goal back, before the end of the period. The deciding factor for most of the match was Sliema’s custodian, Istvan Gergely, with a string of saves, especially when his side were a man down.

In the last session, with the champions still failing their man ups, Sliema went on a double lead, but a late Neptunes rally had them on an even score. It was not enough for them, as Sliema are still above them in the table.

Sliema: I. Gergely, J. Gabarretta 1, N. Lubrano 1, P. Privitera, M. Meli, J. Soler 1, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg 1, C. Debono 1, F. Salamon 3, C. Cluett, M. Spiteri Staines, R. Coleiro

Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon, E. Aquilina, M. Stellini 1, Z. Mizzi, A. Ciric 2, S. Camilleri 2, J. Camilleri, G. Pace, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 2, C. Mercieca 1

Referees: I. Sciriha, F. Brasiliano

BOV 1 Div. League

Valletta Sterling 8

Marsascala More 16

(0-1, 3-3, 2-7, 3-5)

Marsascala’s victory ensured their top placing , which gives them automatic entry into the Play Off final. That leaves Valletta to see who will face them in a three match semi final Play Off, when the second tier teams play their last match.

The Citizens had David Zoltan on a fortnight’s suspension, and Michael Cordina also missing. They kept in touch till the interval, when Marsascala were on an odd gaol advantage, at 4-3, but from then on Valletta collapsed, under the constant pressure, especially from Joseph Kayes, who finished up with a seven goal tally. M’scala eased away from their opponents, to finish the game on a comfortable note.

Valletta: A. Sammut, S. Meli 1, R. Calleja, An. Galea 2, T. Agius , S. Cachia 2, A. Galea, JC Farrugia, R. Kovacs 2, A. Arrigo, E. Arrigo, K. Hyzler 1

Marsascala: K. Schembri, G. Hedegus 1, M. Pace 1, B. Muscat, J. Kayes 7, L. Grixti, J. Licari 3, J. Cremona, S. Micallef 1, R. Scerri 2, D. Cassar, M. Fenech, K. Navarro

Referees: P. Giordano, R. Spiteri