Mora shines in Birzebbuga’s win
After 15 years of absence from the local waterpolo scene, Birżebbuġa not only gave a tough match to every team, but even made it to the knock-out final after beating Otters Nivea 10-8 to face Marsaxlokk Fischer in the final.
Otters had a good match but lost concentration following repeated protests and had to chase the result after losing track with their opponents. Sergi Mora had a positive game for Birżebbuġa as he was instrumental in his team’s play.
Edward Meli struck first for Otters, but Sergi Mora equalised for Birżebbuġa. The Gozitan team went again ahead in the second season from veteran Charlie Zammit, but Birżebbuġa managed to turn the tables with a brace by Kurt Gauci and another goal by Mora, amid heavy protests by Otters for the control of the Italian referee. Jelaka reduced the gap partially but Birżebbuġa soon regained control and finished the session with a worthy three-goal lead.
Birżebbuġa were looking to be cruising in the game after Karl Rizzo Naudi made it 7-3, but Otters fought to stay in the game and scored twice from Luke Hyzler and Charlie Zammit. Marco Risso’s harsh instructions stuck in the head of his players and resulted into two goals by Pace Lupi and the ever present Sergi Mora to consolidate their advantage.
But Otters weren’t going to be defeated so easily and still had a fighting life to save the game. Croatian Marko Jelaka managed to score twice followed by Michael Borg Millo to trim the gap to only a goal. Otters even pressed to equalise, but Mora’s goal controlled the pressure as Marco Risso’s team saw out the last attacks for the win.
Otters: M. Xerri, M. Borg Millo (1), A. Magri, L. Hyzler (1), E. Meli (1), K. Scicluna, G. Mizzi, M. Jelaka (3), M. Paris, C. Zammit (2), M. Borg, C. Teuma, E. Vella
Birżebbuġa: D. Abela, M. Manara, S. Mora (4), D. Pace Lupi (1), A. Camenzuli, A. Sammut (1), S. Vassallo, N. Cassar, G. Farrugia, M. Caruana (1), K. Rizzo Naudi (1), K. Gauci (2), D. Spiteri
Referees: Mario Dalli, Carlo Iori