Neptunes Emirates 11

Sliema McDonalds 6

(1-2, 4-2, 4-2, 2-0)

No one would have envisaged such a score in this first final, and a much more closer match was anticipated.

The champions made a slow start, as they fell a couple of goals behind, but they pulled a goal back before the end of the session, and a tight tussle seemed to be in store.

It still was in the second period, as Neptunes equalised, only for the Blues to forge ahead again.

A Tamas Molnar penalty had both sides level once more, but a deflected shot put Sliema in yet another advantage.

Molnar drew the champions level again, and then the unthinkable happened.

Just before the end of the session Neptunes’ Niki Lanzon threw a hopeful ball towards the Sliema goal, and this innocuous ball was fumbled by the Sliema goalie, and it finished in the back of the net, for a first Neptunes lead, at 5-4, halfway through the encounter.

Sliema didn’t recover from this setback, and the champions played a strong game for the rest of the match, leaving Sliema in their wake.

Neptunes’ lead escalated, although they lost Michele Stellini on fouls. With a session to go the score stood at 9-6 for the champions.

The Blues were expected to rally back, but they were well kept in check, with Neptunes adding on two more goals for good measure.

Both sides were wasteful in their man ups, with Neptunes managing a mere one from eight, with Sliema only slightly better, with two from nine. Molnar struck four times for the champions, and the Blues ‘ best scorer was James Falzon, with a double strike.

It is game two now, next Saturday, with Neptunes in the driving seat, and Sliema must pull up their socks to get back in the reckoning.

Neptunes: I. Bugeja, N. Lanzon 2, E. Aquilina, M. Stellini, Z. Mizzi, A. Ciric 2, S. Camilleri 1, J. Camilleri, G. Pace, S. Gravina 2, R. Sciortino, T. Molnar 4, C. Mercieca

Sliema: I. Gergely, J. Gabarretta 1, N. Lubrano, P. Privitera 1, M. Meli, J. Soler 1, D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono, F. Salamon 1, J. Falzon 2, M. Spiteri Staines, R. Coleiro

Referees: M.Dalli, L. Bianco