Neptunes, Sliema romp to identical victories
Sirens 4Sliema 11(1-3, 0-1, 2-4, 1-3) After going down to Neptunes in the first Winter League match, Sliema McDonald's immediately returned to winning mode when they defeated Sirens Centro Casalinga 11-4. The Blues, with Mark Meli and John Brownrigg...
Sirens 4
Sliema 11
(1-3, 0-1, 2-4, 1-3)
After going down to Neptunes in the first Winter League match, Sliema McDonald's immediately returned to winning mode when they defeated Sirens Centro Casalinga 11-4.
The Blues, with Mark Meli and John Brownrigg back in their squad after missing out on the previous outing, were clearly the better team, with their movement on open and set play being brisker than that of the St Paul's Bay team.
The side guided by Dejan Simeonov conceded the first three goals but fought back and reduced the deficit to 4-3 in the third session, albeit on Sliema's ingenuity.
But Sliema, also profiting on some Sirens lapses, soon regained their three-goal lead before eventually coasting home very comfortable winners, with John Soler netting four of his side's goals.
For the record, Sirens were again without Karl Montfort and Juergen Borg.
Neptunes Vodafone followed up on their first win of the competition when they easily dismissed neighbours San Giljan ASC in the second match.
Despite making ample use of several young players within their ranks, the Reds always had a clear edge and after taking an early 3-0 advantage, their victory was never in doubt as they kept extending their lead against opponents who laboured to carve an opening besides showing some unsteadiness in the defensive phase.
Five players between the two teams scored a brace each, with Michele Stellini's goals bringing his personal tally to six in the first two matches.
In a match not valid for points, the ASA U-20 team made up of U-19 players edged past Marsascala thanks to a late goal netted by Jordan Camilleri.
The ASA team, under the temporary stewardship of Sergio Afric, who was replacing Anthony Farrugia, the Marsascala coach, led the southerners throughout the proceedings.
Next fixtures: (Saturday)
3 p.m. San Giljan vs Sirens;
4.15 p.m. Exiles vs Neptunes; 5.30 p.m. ASA U-20 vs Sliema.
Sirens 4
Sliema 11
(1-3, 0-1, 2-4, 1-3)
Sirens: A. Grech, N. Mallia, T. Galea, P. Privitera 1, T. Debono, R. Mock, R. Scerri, D. Cutajar 1, D. Zammit, C. Zammit 1, C. Mercieca 1, R. Attard, A. Sammut, L. Calleja.
Sliema: J. Cachia, M. Spiteri Staines 1, J. Spiteri Staines, M. Rizzo 2, M. Meli 2, J. Soler 4; D. Paolella, J. Brownrigg, C. Debono 2, J. Valletta, N. Lubrano, M. Manara, R. Coleiro, D. Abela, M. Asciak.
Refs: M. Angilleri, A. DeRaffaele.
San Giljan 4
Neptunes 11
(1-4, 0-2, 2-4, 1-1)
San Giljan: D. Camilleri, C. Spiteri de Barro 1, C. Gialanze, C. Bugeja, A. Farrugia, A. Bianchi 1, E. Arrigo, A. Borda, P. Fava 2, K. Schembri, K. Lanzon.
Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon 2, T. Agius, K. Galea 2, E. Cachia, D. Caruana, J. Camilleri 1, Z. Mizzi 1, R. Attard, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, M. Stellini 2, M. Pisani 3.
Refs: M. Dalli, P. Balzan.
Asa U-20 7
Marsascala 6
(1-0, 2-2, 2-2, 2-2)
Asa U-20: A. Borg Cole, J. Spiteri Staines 2, T. Agius, P. Micallef, A. Zarb Cousin, R. Mock 1, J. Camilleri 3, K. Grixti, N. Lubrano 1, S. Cini, D. Abela, S. Vassallo.
Marsascala: I. Bugeja, P. Borg, M. Borg, K. Sciortino, G. Ghirxi 2, L. Grixti, J. Licari 2, A. Dalli, S. Micallef 1, R. Cutajar 1, D. Cassar, M. Spiteri, J.C. Cutajar.
Refs: M. Caruana, R. Spiteri.