Neptunes, San Giljan to contest final

San Ġiljan hold on to reach the final

S. Giljan TUM Invest 10 Sirens Greeentube 7 (2-3), (2-1), (2-1), (4-2)

Champions San Ġiljan TUM Invest stayed in the hunt to win their second consecutive league as they qualified to the play-offs final defeating Sirens Greentube 10-7 in a nail-biting encounter. These three games were the definition of why the play-offs are exciting as even the supporters get into the match.

The Saints could have done better especially in the first part of the game, but after taking the lead for the first time in the third session, they were never in disadvantage again. Despite being defeated, Sirens finished the match with their heads held up high amongst the apprecia- tion of their supporters, as they knew they gave it all.

A double brace by Edward Aquilina and Paul Privitera characterised the first two sessions for Sirens as they looked sharper than their opponents while looking also prepared to win the game. San Ġiljan had a slow start but despite suffering, they ended the second session 4-4.

This result gave San Ġiljan the necessary stimulus to fight for the last two sessions. Matthew Zammit rose above Clint Mercieca to give San Ġiljan the lead with a shot from the centre. Nicolas Bicari did the same few seconds later. The goal by Dino Zammit less than a minute from the end of the third session proved to be important as San Ġiljan started the last session 65 in front.

Sirens failed to pile up the pressure in the last session as they seemed to lack the sharpness they had in the first two sessions. Till half of the last session, the game was still 7-7. Peter Borg gave San Ġiljan the lead with two minutes and a half till the end, and the centre closed the game a minute later. Ben Plumpton sealed the win.

San Ġiljan: J. Tanti, P. Borg (3), A. Galea, B. Grech, C. Farrugia, M. Zammit (1), B. Plumpton (1), Da. Zammit, T. Said, P. Obradovic (3), P. Fava, Di. Zammit (2), T. Micallef

Sirens: N. Grixti, P. Privitera (2), E. Aquilina (2), N. Bicari (1), M. Grech, I. Riolo, C. Mercieca (2), J. Sciberras, J. Napier, G. Sammut, L. Caruana, J. Brownrigg, G. Galea Curmi

Referees: Mario Dalli, Frederico Braghini

Photo: Domenic Aquilina Peter Borg (R) of San Giljan TUM Invest powers home his side's fourth against Sirens Greentube