Farrugia poised for baptism of fire as Sirens meet unbeaten Neptunes

John Farrugia, Sirens' caretaker coach, must be bracing himself for a baptism of fire as his team square up to Division One leaders Neptunes in the highlight of this weekend's two-match programme at the National Pool.

Neptunes, the only unbeaten side in waterpolo competitions this season, are determined to extend their winning sequence today and close in on the summer title but Sirens are also desperate to collect maximum points to resurrect their championship bid.

Trailing their impending opponents by four points, Sirens know that another defeat would virtually rule them out of the title race.

This year, the Reds from Balluta Bay won all their Winter League matches and have only dropped one point in the summer competition, ironically in their previous meeting against the St Paul's Bay team.

Today's fixture promises to be a taxing test for Dirk Dowling's side, especially if the Sirens players derive added motivation from the appointment of team-mate Farrugia as their new mentor and his assistant, Dejan Simeonov, from Macedonia, after the club ended its association with former coach Joe Attard.

The resignation of Attard last Tuesday is likely to have been prompted by Sirens' 10-7 defeat to Sliema on Sunday.

Neptunes and Sirens have already met twice this season. The Winter League champions defeated Sirens 8-6 in their first meeting played last May and two weeks ago, the honours were shared in a thrilling 5-5 draw.

Tomorrow's Division One match features Marsascala and Sliema. Marsascala are still in search of their first points against Division One opponents but their chances of upsetting the in-form champions look very remote.

Sergio Afric's side have hit top form in their last league outings and are still very much in contention to retain the title as they only have a one-point deficit from leaders and rivals Neptunes.

Sliema, who have won both their matches against the southerners, 11-5 and 12-6, this season, must also be keeping their fingers crossed that Neptunes drop points against Sirens to further improve their title hopes.

(Today) Division Two - 4.30 p.m. Marsaxlokk Freeport vs Otters; 5.30 p.m. Exiles RMF vs Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise; Division One - 6.30 p.m. Neptunes Vodafone vs Go Mobile Sirens.

(Tomorrow) Division Two - 5.30 p.m. San Giljan KIA Motors vs Valletta Utd Fortina Spa; Division One - 6.30 p.m. Sliema Burger King vs Marsascala Breakers.