Rabat Depiro stay on winning track

The new hockey season began on a familiar note - Rabat Depiro securing another trophy.

On Sunday, they got the local competitions off to a start with an emphatic 4-1 win over Young Stars. For Rabat, this was their fourth consecutive Super Cup victory.

On the day, Rabat were without Robert Aquilina, Branko Radojevic and new signing Aaron Perales while Young Stars had Chris Attard out with injury.

The game lacked scoring chances in the opening stages with the first action of note coming when Young Stars' Dalli saw his fine reverse hit from the edge of the dee saved by the Rabat goalkeeper.

Rabat then created a series of four short corners that failed to produce a decent hit at goal. They were not to be denied on 12 minutes as a good run by Josef Antonelli allowed him to pick up an unmarked Seychell who lashed a shot into the net.

In no time, Rabat doubled the score to edge closer to victory. This time, Chris Bugeja made no mistake from a short corner. Two goals in the space of a few minutes rocked Young Stars and their first signs of reaction were only apparent late in the half.

Mark Camilleri's goal in the final minutes should have encouraged Young Stars to push for the equaliser but Rabat quickly restored their cushion lead. Three minutes into the half, Antonelli pounced on the rebound after Mizzi had saved Kevin Micallef's first hit at goal.

Vella could have put the game beyond Young Stars when he came one-on-one with the goalkeeper but he flicked straight at him.

Young Stars could not put together a decent reaction and on 18 minutes it was Antonelli who notched his second and Rabat's fourth after an initial shot from Vella had been stopped.

The game was now won and lost although till the end, both sides had chances to increase the score.

After the game, the association secretary David Agius presented Rabat with the Super Cup.