The Malta Independent on Sunday
Sirens’ late surge eliminates Exiles
Waterpolo
Sirens Greentube Exiles Elia Caterers (2-3), (2-2), (2-4), (7-1) 13 10
Sirens Greentube risked elimination from the Premier Division knock-out at the expense of Exiles Elia Caterers but a late surge by Sasko Popovski’s team avoided a surprise.
Exiles had their regular goalkeeper Matthew Castillo injured and the void was filled by young goalkeeper Max Martin.
Marko Jelaca from man-up and Milos Vukicevic from penalty cancelled Isaiah Riolo’s opener. Paul Privitera equalised but Milos Vukicevic scored again from a penalty to give his team an important lead.
Sirens had to react and in fact they did in the second session, but in both occasions Exiles were quick enough to react and managed to keep their goal lead at the end of the second session. Michele Stellini and Timmy Sullivan responded to the goals by Edward Aquilina and John Brownrigg.
Exiles stretched their lead to three goals for the first time. Valentino Gallo responded twice to the goals by Mark Fenech and Jelaca.
But Vukicevic and Jelaca led their team to 9-6 at the end of the session.
Gallo kept his team in the game with a goal in the beginning of the last session until Mark Fenech responded. Paul Privitera reduced the deficit half a minute later to keep his team in the game.
Their comeback was completed in the second part of the session after goals by Riolo, Presciutti and Aquilina while Gallo sealed the win with two late goals as Exiles finished the game emptyhanded despite a brave performance.
Sirens: N. Grixti, J. Zerafa Gregory, C. Prescutti (1), P. Privitera (2), M. Grech, J. Brownrigg (1), I. Riolo (2), V. Gallo (5), J. Napier, E. Aquilina (2), L. Caruana, M. Sciberras, O. Gauci, P. Serracino, L. Grech Carr
Exiles: M. Martin, M. Stellini (1), A. Magri, M. Jelaca (3), T. Sullivan (1), S. Xerri de Caro, M. Fenech (2), K. Griscti, M. Vukicevic (3), A. Cousin, N. Paris, P. Paris, M. Castillo, S. Apap, C. Von Brockdorf
Referees: Stefan Licardi, Alessandro Chimenti