A strong take-off and a clinical finish helped San Ġiljan put the seal on their undoubted power and precision which was also underlined by superior pace on their way to a thrashing 15-8 win over Neptunes Grimaldi, yesterday.

It was a success which had teamwork written all over it despite having the signature of four goals each from Matthew and Dino Zammit as well as former Neptunes player Clint Mercieca.

The Saints’ knack of pressing the accelerator when their opponents threatened to close in on them preceded their 6-1 spurt in the final quarter after they had taken a flying 5-1 start in the opening part of the game.

There was no question about the winners’ superior graft and skill which in the end resulted in a more than comprehensive win.

Neptunes huffed and puffed despite putting in some sort of resistance in the middle sessions.

Their new coach, Zoran Maslovar, was in for a rude awakening and would be the first to admit that his boys lack the necessary muscle and experience to compete for the honours when facing stronger opponents.

The club’s mentors would also do well to realise that their team is not homogeneous enough, even when taking into account the inclusion of stalwart Steve Camilleri in summer.

The Reds started badly and although they kept within some sort of touch when they only trailed 9-7 into the last session, their eventual total demise was arguably anticipated by their clan.

Neptunes have thus relinquished the title in a race which is now restricted to a two-horse battle between San Ġiljan and Sliema.

Summaries

Neptunes 8
San Ġiljan 15

(1-5, 4-2, 2-2, 1-6)

Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon 1, M. Cutajar, L. Gialanze, T. Agius 2, S. Xerri de Caro, K. Navarro, J. Camilleri 2, J. Abela 1, M. Zammit 1, B. Lanzon 1, M. Azzopardi, J. Tanti.

San Ġiljan: J. Sammut, P. Borg 1, A. Galea, J. Galea, Darren Zammit, M. Zammit 4, K. Galea, C. Mercieca 4, B. Plumpton, A. Cousin 2, P. Fava, Dino Zammit 4, D. Camilleri.

Refs: M. Angileri, M. Dalli.

ASA Under-19 13
Ta’ Xbiex 5

(3-3, 1-0, 5-0, 4-2)

ASA U-19: Z. Sciberras, N. Bugelli 3, A. Camenzuli 1, L. Felice 2, M. Mifsud 2, J.Z. Gregory 3, D. Fenech 2, I. Riolo.

Ta’ Xbiex: T. Micallef, M. Ortoleva, J. Gauci, B. Grech, L. Saliba 1, K. Mock 1, S. Aquilina 1, D. Schembri 1, D. Saliba N. Camenzuli, R. Attard 1, T. Said, C. Farrugia.

Refs: A. Goncharenko, R. Spiteri.

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