Waterpolo in Malta - Season 2008 - Recently Updated Pages

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vassallobernard — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 01:04:24 CDT

2.6.08 - Due to professional reasons, this site will not be updated further. I hope that, in its simplicity, this site has helped a bit to increase interest in local waterpolo and I wish to see similar webpages arising from local clubs and other individuals.

Whilst wishing all the best of luck for summer 2008, I urge each one of you to feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions / comments / criticism in my new post.
Regards

Welcome to the 2008 season

I am providing this space as an unofficial site for waterpolo in Malta.

Being the regular contributor for waterpolo on the local daily 'The Malta Independent', I decided to provide this virtual web space for the numerous local followers of this number 1 local summer sport.

I have also included an open forum - something that was wished by many as it gives everybody the chance to pass their comments. Make good use of it.

Regards
Bernard Vassallo

Please sign the guestbook.

Use the forum to air your views.

Suggestions, criticism and comments are very welcome. please email me on:

bernardvassallo@yahoo.co.uk

What's new?

Click the link below for the preliminary round fixtures:
Summer league fixtures

Week 1 - Reports
Week 2 April 12
Week 3 April 19
Week 4 - April 26
Week 5 - May 3 2008
Week 6 - May 17 2008 - Sliema vs Neptunes to contest final

NEW - April 19

Latest Videos - action from Neptunes vs Exiles and San Giljan vs Sirens (19th April 2008)

4 new videos in the video section

Click on NEW FORUM in the main index below.

Links to my other sites
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Newcastle United

Winter league Fixtures
Sat. 5th April
16.45 hrs. Sirens Hard Rock Café vs Sliema McDonald’s 7 - 11
18.00 hrs. Neptunes Vodafone vs San Giljan ASc 10 - 8

Sat. 12th April or Sun 13th
18.15 hrs. Neptunes Vodafone vs Sirens Hard Rock Cafe 13-8
19.15 hrs. Exiles ASC vs Sliema McDonalds’s 6-14

Sat. 19th April
U/17 Sliema - Sirens 9-7
17.30 hrs. Exiles ASC vs Neptunes Vodafone 7-10
18.45 hrs. San Giljan ASC vs Sirens Hard Rock Cafe 11-8

Sat. 26th April
16.00 hrs U/17 Sirens vs Neptunes 4-5
17.15 hrs. San Giljan ASC vs Exiles ASC 10-7
18.30 hrs. Sliema McDonald’s vs Neptunes Vodafone 14-6

Sat. 3rd May
16.00hrs U/17 Sliema vs Neptunes 8-2
17.15 hrs. Sliema McDonald’s vs San Giljan ASC 17-5
18.30 hrs. Sirens Hard Rock Café vs Exiles ASC 9-8

Sat. 10th May
16.00hrs U/17 Sirens vs Sliema postponed

Sat. 17th May
16.00hrs U/17 Neptunes vs Sirens -postponed
17.15 hrs. Sliema - Sirens 17-12
18.30 hrs. Neptunes - San Giljan 11-9

Sun. 25th May
16.15hrs U/17 Neptunes vs Sliema
17.30hrs Sirens - San Giljan 12-11
18.45 hrs Neptunes - Sliema 7-6 (aet 6-6)

NEPTUNES WINTER CHAMPS 2008 !!!
__________________________________________________ Sat 12th programmed maybe played on Sun 13th - to be confirmed
Play Off Matches (Sat 17th & Sun 25th) to be played to a finish.

Game reports from 'The Malta Independent'

These are the full version and not the actual version that is printed on the newspaper as the latter may be edited due to space constraints.

	P	W	D	L	F	A	Pts
Sliema	4	4	0	0	56	24	8
Neptunes	4	3	0	1	39	37	6
San Giljan	4	2	0	2	34	42	4
Sirens	4	1	0	3	32	43	2
Exiles	4	0	0	4	28	43	0

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Game Press Reports

vassallobernard — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:12:58 CDT

Go to HOME page

Winter League 2008

Week 1- Apr 5	Week 2 - Apr 12	Week 3 - Apr 19	Week 4 - Apr 26	Week 5 - May 3
Week 6 - May 17	Week 7 - May 25

Summer League 2008

game report may 25

vassallobernard — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:11:36 CDT

Golden Boy 7 leads Neptunes to seventh Winter title Neptunes Vodafone 7 – Sliema McDonalds 6 (2-2, 2-2, 1-0, 1-2, 1-0, 0-0) Neptunes managed to extend their Winter League successes to seven after beating rivals Sliema with a solitary goal after extra time. Led by Steve Camilleri, who notched a nap hand of goals and was a constant threat to Sliema’s rearguard, Neptunes had to fight hard to keep off Sliema who had Jonathan Valletta in fine form and also finding the net on five occassions. Neptunes opened the score in their first offensive ploy which was an extended action as Lanzon had a blocked shot in the first 30 seconds of possession but the reds regained the ball and in the subsequent seconds managed to beat Josie Cachia through a Steve Camilleri shot off a foul. After the reds missed on a Brownrigg man-up, Sliema overturned the score with two goals in 40 seconds. Jonathan Valletta made it 1-1 with a 6 metre precise shot to the top left corner and then it was John Soler who, after receiving a good pass from Meli, scored with a back-hand shot from the centre forward position. Less than a minute later Neptunes won a man-up when Meli was excluded and S. Camilleri made it a brace in the initial session with a low shot off the water. The second session ended also at 2-2 so that it was still a level score game at 4-4 midway into the game. Valletta was Sliema’s hero when he added a further two goals for a hat-trick after 12 minutes of play. He gave Sliema the lead once again at 3-2 early in the second session after the blues won their first man-up after Lanzon fouled Soler. Sliema missed a good chance to extend their lead when Meli’s pass toward an ummarked Brownrigg was too strong and paid dearly for this as Neptunes equalised immediately on the opposite side when John Paris made good use of a man-up he obtained on Aquilina as he received the ball back instantly and beat Cachia from close range. Valletta restored Sliema’s lead with a gem of a shot directed to the top right corner from some 9 metres away from the Neptunes ’ goal. Three minutes had to pass until the game was again level. Michele Stellini, who had a couple of attempts in the first session, managed to find the net for 4-4 but the reds missed, in their next attack, on a Debono exclusion. The third session was a hard fought affair as the two sides battled bravely to outsmart each other. Each side missed on an early man-up and the only goal in these tense eight minutes came from Neptunes . And what it gaol it was after S. Camilleri , despite seemingly in a tight position on the side, managed to beat Cachia with a beautiful diagonal shot. Neptunes ’ lead could have been increased a minute later when E. Cachia was left unmarked but the latter shot softly. Merely 49 seconds into the last session S. Camilleri registered his personal poker of goals after he found space and scored with a diagonal shot. Valletta came again to Sliema’s rescue. First he scored on a Pisani man-up and then, after Neptunes missed on a Gialanze exclusion, he made it 6-6 with three and a half minutes to go with a low shot beneath Gouder’s hands. Seconds ticked by and both sides could not break the deadlock. Sliema came close 40 seconds from the end with a Meli shot hitting the right upright whilst Neptunes had the last possession with a Debono exclusion (fouled out in this situation) but had no chance to shoot. Extra time had hardly started when Neptunes scored what ended to be the championship winning goal and it was again Steve Camilleri who found space and scored his fifth on the day. Sliema had an opportunity to equalise with a late man-up in the first session of extended time but Gouder thwarted Meli’s shot. Play was very tense in the second 3-minute session with Neptunes managing to hold on to their slender lead to emerge winners for the seventh time in their history. After the match the reds’ captain, Nicky Lanzon, was presented with the BOV Winter League trophy by Mr. Peter Perotti who represented the sponsors. Neptunes: Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon, Jordan Camilleri, Karl Galea, Edward Cachia, Rambert Attard, Steve Camilleri 5, Timmy Agius, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina, John Paris 1, Michele Stellini 1, Matthew Pisani, David Caruana, Ryan Sciortino. Sliema: Josie Cachia, Christian Gialanze, Edward Aquilina, Jerome Gabaretta, Mark Meli, John Soler 1, Daniel Paolella, John Brownrigg, Clint Debono, Jonathan Valletta 5, James Spiteri Staines, Nicholai Lubrano, Miguel Manara, Ryan Coleiro. Refs: Mario Dalli, Massimo Angileri Sirens Hard Rock Café 12 – San Giljan Zara 11 (4-1, 3-2, 2-4, 3-4) Sirens obtained their second win in the winter league and managed to end in the third place after outsmarting San Giljan with the odd goal from 23. The Saints had beaten the St Pauls Bay side 11-8 in the first phase but this time round had a tough hill to climb after finding themselves four goals down in two situations in the third session at 4-8 and 5-9. San Giljan did stage a remarkable comeback to level the score at 9-9 and later at 11-11 but a Ryan Mock goal (this lad scored a hat-trick) late in the game finally made it a tight Sirens win. Sirens: Joseph Sammut, Allan Grech, Anthony Galea 3, Paul Privitera, Peter Borg, Ryan Mock 3, Jurgen Borg 1, David Cutajar 2, Mark Mallia, Ranier Scerri 1, Josef Camilleri, Alex Attard, Clint Mercieca 2. San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro 2, Andrea Bianchi 2, Matthew Zammit 1, Matthew Pace 1, Glen Ghirxi, Edward Arrigo, Paul Fava 2, John Xerri de Caro 2, Kayne Lanzon 1. Refs: Peter Balzan, Ivan Sciriha

hasEML = false;

Summer League 2008

vassallobernard — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:07:23 CDT

Preliminary Round
Date			Time	White Cap		Blue Cap	Result
June	Fri	6	18:15:00	San Giljan Tropicana Juices	v	M'Xlokk Freeport
			19:30:00	Sliema McDonald's	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
	Sat	7	17:15:00	Neptunes Vodafone	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
			18:30:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
	Fri	13	18:15:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
			19:30:00	San Giljan Tropicana Juices	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
	Sat	14	17:15:00	M'Scala Ocean and Sky	v	Neptunes Vodafone
			18:30:00	Sliema McDonald's	v	M'Xlokk Freeport
	Fri	20	18:15:00	Sliema McDonald's	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
			19:30:00	Neptunes Vodafone	v	M'Xlokk Freeport
	Sat	21	17:15:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
			18:30:00	San Giljan Tropicana Juices	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
	Fri	27	18:15:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	M'Xlokk Freeport
			19:30:00	Sliema McDonald's	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
	Sat	28	17:15:00	Neptunes Vodafone	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
			18:30:00	San Giljan Tropicana Juices	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
July	Fri	4	18:15:00	M'Xlokk Freeport	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
			19:30:00	Sliema McDonald's	v	Neptunes Vodafone
	Sat	5	16:00:00	Otters	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
			17:15:00	Exiles Elle-et-Vire	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
			18:30:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	San Giljan Tropicana Juices
	Fri	11	18:15:00	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise	v	M'Scala Ocean and Sky
			19:30:00	Sirens Centro Casalinga	v	Sliema McDonald's
	Sat	12	16:00:00	Otters	v	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise
			17:15:00	M'Xlokk Freeport	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
			18:30:00	Neptunes Vodafone	v	San Giljan Tropicana Juices
	Fri	18	18:15:00	M'Scala Ocean and Sky	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
			19:30:00	San Giljan Tropicana Juices	v	Sliema McDonald's
	Sat	19	16:00:00	Otters	v	Exiles Elle-et-Vire
			17:15:00	Ta' Xbiex Mermaids Paradise	v	M'Xlokk Freeport
			18:30:00	Neptunes Vodafone	v	Sirens Centro Casalinga
	Sat	26	16:00:00	Otters	v	M'Xlokk Freeport

Game report May 17 2008

vassallobernard — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:17:04 CDT

Sliema McDonalds 17 – Sirens Hard Rock Café 12
(4-1, 6-4, 4-2, 3-5)

Sliema were the first to book a place in next week’s winter league final after meritedly beating Sirens in a high scoring match in the first semifinal. This was Sliema’ second success over Sirens, this year, after they had emerged winners 11-7 in the first game of this winter campaign. Despite missing a penalty in the first minute of play, Sliema opened a comfortable 4-1 lead at the end of the first session with Jonathan Valletta grabbing his only netting ion the match to open the score in the third minute and then, after Sirens momentarily equalised through David Cutajar, it was Mark Meli (on a Galea exclusion), John Soler and Edward Aquilina (who combined together to score 13 goals in total) who netted the blues’ other goals with Sirens missing on two man-ups. Meli was Sliema’s hero in the second session as he netted three goals in these eight minutes of play as the blues extended their lead to five goals midway into the match at a 10-5 score line. The St. Pauls Bay side, who had assistant coach John Farrugia shown the red card in this session, scored two times in succession early in the same session, through Jurgen Borg and Paul Privitera, to reduce the deficit to two goals at 3-5 but then suffered three consecutive man-up goals. Sliema’s win was made certain when they registered a 3-0 run, to thus open an 8-goal lead, between the 17th and 20th minute of play starting with a John Brownrigg goal on a Mercieca exclusion followed by other strikes by the Soler/Aquilina tandem. Sirens did regain their scoring touch when Borg converted a penalty after a debono major foul but Sliema were totally in command even though they lowered a bit their guard and Sirens had the better of the last session so as to register a more respectable score. Soler netted the game’s final goal, off a 5 metre free shot, to make it a six-goal game for him (he also had scored another penalty some minutes before).

Sliema: Josie Cachia, Chris Gialanze 1, Edward Aquilina 3, Jerome Gabaretta, Mark Meli 4, John Soler 6, Daniel Paolella, John Brownrigg 1, Clint Debono 1, Jonathan Valletta 1, James Spiteri Staines, Nikolai Lubrano, Ryan Coleiro.
Sirens: Allan Grech, Tyson Debono, Anthony Galea 2, Paul Privitera 2, Peter Borg, Ryan Mock 1, Jurgen Borg 3, David Cutajar 2, Rainier Scerri, Clint Mercieca 2, Reinhard Attard, Joseph Sammut.
Refs: Peter Balzan, Miro Caruana

Neptunes Vodafone 11 – San Giljan Zara 9
(3-2, 1-1, 5-3, 2-3)

Similar to the first Balluta derby this season, when there was also a 2-goal game at 10-8, Neptunes had to withstand a fine showing by San Giljan before booking their place in the next Sunday’s final. San Giljan had a positive start to the game when, after 21 seconds, Matthew Zammit was fouled by Steve Camilleri (who was playing his first game for Neptunes after returning from Belgrade) for a penalty and the same Zammit converted the resulting 5 metre free shot with a powerful shot to Gouder’s right. Neptunes ’ reply was immediate as just 27 seconds later Stellini, Cachia and Karl Galea had a choral move with the latter scoring with a back-hand shot. The same player put the reds 2-1 ahead when he managed to break free on the right and just squeezed the ball past Dean Camilleri’s outstretched hands. Galea could have registered his hat-trick just a few moments later but Camilleri effected a great save on a 3 v 2 break, only for the ball to then finish in Nicky Lanzon’s hands and the Neptunes captain did not miss to make it 3-1. After missing a man-up, San Giljan opened the game once again when Zammit was quite lucky that Neptunes missed their target whilst he had not returned back on defence and then Zammit received the ball and did not miss from close range. Inspired by a number of good saves by Camilleri, San Giljan fought bravely in the second session and even managed to equalise through Kayne Lanzon. On the opposite end, Fava was excluded, and Jordan Camilleri scored off a rebound from close range. San Giljan then missed a double man-up with Fava’s shot thwarted by Gouder so that the teams changed ends at 4-3. Although Neptunes opened a momentary 2-goal lead in the 17th minute after Edward Cachia received a good assist from Stellini on a Fava exclusion, San Giljan came back strongly and again equalised twice, this time on two occasions. Zammit first netted with a back-hand from the centre despite S. Camilleri’s marking and then, just 40 seconds after, Andrea Bianchi broke away clear and made it 5-5. Michele Stellini restored Neptunes ’ lead with De Barro exclsuded but San Giljan won a Cachia man-up and John Xerri de Caro made it yet a squared game at 6-6. The game looked to have been decided in the last two minutes of the third session when Neptunes scored three times in a row. Galea confirmed his sharpness close to goal and got his hat-trick when he was quick to pounce, and flick home, on a rebound after a fine Camilleri save on a Cachia attempt. Half a minute later Steve Camilleri scored with a scorcher with the saints protesting that the same player had just fouled De Caro. With San Giljan losing their concentration and having also De Barro definitely excluded and Bianchi injured, Michele Stellini made it 9-6 a few moments before the session’s end to even register his hat-trick . At the start of the final session, off another Fava exclusion, Edward Cachia extended the reds’ lead. When all seemed lost at 6-10, San Giljan staged a fine mini-comeback and made it 10-9, with 100 seconds to go till the end, with a 3-0 run after a Zammit brace and a Paul Fava netting. Stellini came to Neptunes’ rescue with an accurate shot past Camilleri and then San Giljan missed their last chance to stay in the game when they missed a man-up play so that Neptunes booked their place in the final, against arch-rivals Sliema, next Sunday.

Neptunes: Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon 1, Jordan Camilleri 1, Karl Galea 3, Edward Cachia 1, Kurt Micallef, Steve Camilleri 1, Rambert Attard, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina 1, John Paris, Michele Stellini 3, Matthew Pisani.
San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro, Andrea Bianchi 1, Matthew Zammit 5, Matthew Pace, Kurt Grech, Glen Ghirxi, Edward Arrigo, Paul Fava 1, John Xerri De Caro 1, Kayne Lanzon 1. Refs: Ivan Sciriha, Alex Deraffaele

week 5 - May 3 2008

vassallobernard — Sun, 04 May 2008 01:27:13 CDT

Sirens Hard Rock Café 9 – Exiles Pender Gardens 8

(3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 1-2)

Reigning winter league holders Sirens managed to book the last slot in the semifinals when they registered their first seasonal win after beating Exiles, with a minimal margin, in the last match of the first phase.

Exiles fought bravely throughout the match, and clawed back to neutralising a 0-3 score and then also coming to just goal away a couple of times later into the game, but had to succumb to more consistent opponents and they will surely kick themselves for missing two penalties in the match.

Clint Mercieca opened the score with Pace Lupi excluded in the third minute of play. Exiles had a good opportunity to equalise 14 seconds later when they won a penalty but Allan Grech effectively saved Sullivan’s free 5 metre shot directed to the left corner.

Sirens’ morale was now high and they, despite missing on two man-ups, opened a 3-0 lead with goals from Ranier Scerri and Jurgen Borg.

David Pace Lupi scored Exiles’ first on the day when he did not miss when came face to face with opposing custodian Grech.

The game livened up as Exiles managed to equalise at 3-3 after Julian Rizzo Naudi and Martin Calleja (with a nice high lob) netted a respective goal midway in the 12th minute of play.

However Sirens seemed to take the game fully in control when they scored three goals in a row till the second session’s end.

Ryan Mock scored on a J. Rizzo Naudi exclusion and this was followed with David Cutajar’s first of three and Borg’s brace (this coming off a solitary break on the right).

Sirens’ lead was extended to a maximum at 7-3 when Cutajar beat Alan Borg Cole (who had a fine showing in the Exiles’ goal) in the 18th minute.

The game was not over as Exiles made another comeback and registered a 3-0 run. Pace Lupi scored on a Privitera exclusion and then Timmy Sullivan made it 7-5 45 seconds later.

With Sirens missing a man-up, Exiles made it a one-goal game through a Michael Rizzo strike.

Sirens’ coach Simeonov called a timeout on a K. Rizzo Naudi exclusion and Paul Privitera beat Borg Cole when play resumed for 8-6 at the end of the third session.

Cutajar’s hat-trick opened once again a 3-goal lead for Sirens but Exiles kept believing in their chances and Sullivan (off a Calleja assist) and Rizzo (a gem of a goal through an 8 metre bounce shot off a foul) grabbed their braces for 9-8 with four minutes to go.

Exiles could have equalised when they won another penalty but Rizzo’s shot hit the right post.

Both sides then missed a respective man-up as Sirens held to their tight lead and managed to win the last semifinal place.

Sirens : Allan Grech, Reinhard Attard, Anthony Galea, Paul Privitera 1, Edward Bonello, Ryan Mock 1, Jurgen Borg 2, David Cutajar 3, Peter Borg, Rainier Scerri 1, Tyson Debono, Clint Mercieca 1, Joseph Sammut.

Exiles : Alan Borg Cole, Simon Vassallo, Karl Rizzo Naudi, David Pace Lupi 2, Timmy Sullivan 2, Julian Rizzo Naudi 1, Michael Rizzo 2, Kurt Griscti, Mark Galea, Karl Enriquez, Alan Arrigo, Andrew Zarb Cousin, Martin Calleja 1, Rueben Bonnici, Gabriel Galea.

Refs : Massimo Angilleri, Alex Deraffaele

Sliema McDonalds 17 – San Giljan Zara 5

(3-1, 3-2, 6-1, 5-1)

Sliema made it an en plein in this first phase of the Winter League with their fourth consecutive win, this time beating San Giljan with a handsome margin of twelve goals.

The crucial phase is yet to come as from two weeks time (there will be no senior games next week) when the cross semi-final playoff games will be played with Sliema facing, winter league title holders, Sirens whilst San Giljan will have to cross swords with their neighbours Neptunes.

John Soler excelled on the blues’ offensive front as he netted a total of seven personal gaols, two of these coming on a man-up situation and another from a penalty.

In fact Soler had already grabbed a brace by the fifth minute as Sliema opened an early 3-0 lead with Jonathan Valletta adding the other goal.

The Saints replied with a penalty, scored by Matthew Zammit (his only goal in the game) early in the sixth minute and then Matthew Pace made it a 3-2 game in the 11th minute of play.

San Giljan paid dearly for two man-up misses as Clint Debono beat Camilleri and then, a minute later, Daniel Paolella once again opened a three goal margin with a man-up goal with Caludio Spiteri de Barro excluded. The latter pulled one back for the Saints but Edward Aquilina duly replied on the opposite end for a 6-3 score midway into the game.

The third session fully determined the outcome of the game as Sliema took absolute control and netted six goals (two on man-ups) against a solitary man-up goal from San Giljan.

The last session was a mere formality with Sliema extending further their lead, including three goals in a matter of 47 seconds during the third minute in the session.

Unfortunately a respective player from both sides was sent off late in the game as Bianchi (San Giljan) was sent off for abusive language and then, seconds later, Aquilina (Sliema) was sent off for misconduct.

Sliema: Josie Cachia, Chrsitian Gialanze, Edward Aquilina 2, Jerome Gabaretta, Mark Meli 1, John Soler 7, Daniel Paolella 2, John Brownrigg, Clint Debono 3, Jonathan Valletta 2, James Spiteri Staines, Nikolai Lubrano, Ryan Coleiro.

San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro 1, Glen Ghirxi, Kurt Grech, Matthew Zammit 1, Andrea Bianchi, Matthew Pace 1, Paul Fava 1, John Xerri De Caro, Kayne Lanzon 1.

Refs: Mario Dalli, Miro Caruana

week 4 - April 26 2008

vassallobernard — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 08:15:36 CDT

San Giljan Zara 10 – Exiles Pender Gardens 7

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

San Giljan ascertained themselves fully of a play-off place when registering their second consecutive win, after last week’s success over Sirens, after beating, meritedly, Sliema-based neighbours Exiles.

The first session was a tight affair as both sides exchanged equally four goals with the Saints twice in the lead through John Xerri de Caro (the first on a Calleja exclusion and the second from a penalty) only for Karl Rizzo Naudi (who together with his brother Karl are now permanently on Exiles’ books) and then Michael Rizzo to equalise with both goals coming on in a man-up situation off a respective Lanzon and de Barro exclusion.

The Saints opened a two-goal lead by the change of ends as they managed to score twice in the second session. The first goal was netted in the second minute by Andrea Bianchi with Rizzo excluded and then, a minute later, Matthew Zammit got his first of four on the day.

Exiles did not make good use of two man-ups during this second session.

Zammit added a further two goals early in the third session (one on a man-up) so that San Giljan were 6-2 ahead after 19 minutes of play.

After missing on another man-up, Exiles managed to end their goal drought when Rizzo made good use of a Bianchi man-up with his second goal on the day.

However Paul Fava was quick to reply for the saints with a goal just 25 seconds later.

Kayne Lanzon was then excluded definitely and David Pace Lupi made it 7-4.

There were then a goal apiece in the last minute of the third session with Zammit registering his poker and then Timmy Sullivan reducing the arrears for Exiles once again.

The game was totally decided when Claudio Spiteri de Barro grabbed a personal brace in the last session, the first off a close-range flick and the second on a Pace Lupi man-up after the latter protested vividly for what he termed a penalty foul committed on him).

Exiles managed to register a more respectable score at the end when they netted two late goals, with Rizzo grabbing his hat-trick and then, with less than a second to go, Sullivan persisted on a rebound and put the ball into an empty net.

San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro 2, Kurt Grech, Matthew Zammit 4, Matthew Pace, Andrea Bianchi 1, Glen Ghirxi, Paul Fava 1, John Xerri de Caro 2, Kayne Lanzon.

Exiles: Alan Borg Cole, Simon Vassallo, Karl Rizzo Naudi 1, David Pace Lupi 1, Timmy Sullivan 2, Julian Rizzo Naudi, Michael Rizzo 3, Kurt Grixti, Mark Galea, Karl Enriquez, Seb Cini, Andrew Zarb Cousin, Martin Calleja, Rueben Bonnici, Gabriel Galea.

Refs: Peter Balzan, Ivan Sciriha

Neptunes Vodafone 6 – Sliema McDonalds 14

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

The first seasonal derby between arch rivals Sliema and Neptunes resulted in a resounding win for the blues after they humiliated Neptunes with a superior display.

However, having said this, and surely without lessening any of Sliema’s merit, this game was not of ultimate importance except to grab the first place in the table and surely avoid San Giljan (who are now placed third) in the play-offs and having to play the fourth placed team that will be decided next week from the winner in the Sirens-exiles clash.

This still is not enough to justify Neptunes ’ poor showing on the day when coach Sergio Afric made his first seasonal showing on their bench. Sliema took total control from the start and led by John Soler (who scored six goals similar to his cap number) they notched what could be a great psychological win for them.

The first session resulted in quite a surprise result as Sliema stormed to a 4-0 lead.

Neptunes won an early Debono man-up but Lanzon hit the cross-bar. John Soler immediately broke clear away and scored the game’s first when he finished face to face with opposing custodian Gouder.

Seconds later Neptunes won another man-up, this time Meli was excluded, but Josie Cachia effected a point blank save off a Karl Galea close range shot.

In the next couple of minutes both goalkeepers made good saves with Gouder stopping fine efforts by Valletta and Debono.

However he could not deny Soler from netting his second with Stellini excluded.

Sliema increased their lead just 20 seconds later, despite Sergio Afric calling a time-out, as Neptunes made a turnover and ex-John Brownrigg netted into an empty net off a fine Meli assist on a 2v1 break.

The blues’ tally became four when, early in the 7th minute and with Pisani excluded, Valletta gave a perfect assist to Mark Meli who flicked home from close range.

After missing on a Brownrigg man-up, Neptunes finally managed to open their score after 11 minutes of play when Nicky Lanzon scored from close range.

Sliema replied a minute later when Valletta stole a ball off a Pisani pass and advanced on the right only to then give a perfect cross-pass to Soler who did not miss.

Clint Debono then made it a 6-1 game when he scored with a distance shot, although the latter then got himself excluded definitely in third session for protesting with the match officials.

Lanzon grabbed a personal brace when he netted a penalty with a shot to Cachia’s right.

With Neptunes missing another man-up, the second session ended with Soler scoring his fourth for a 7-2 score midway into the game.

Jonathan Valletta, who together with Edward Aquilina and Josie Cachia played an important part in this win, scored Sliema’s 8th goal on a Pisani exclusion and, almost two minutes later, Soler scored a penalty for a very comfortable 9-2 lead.

Neptunes failed on another two man-ups and Valletta scored his second after Cachia had made a fine save off Paris .

After 13 minutes of play without a goal, Neptunes managed to return to scoring ways and managed to share the session at 4-4. Karl Galea got his side’s third off a good E. Cachia assist.

There was no doubt where the win was going and both sides played at par in the final minutes.

Edward Aquilina scored a brace (the first on a 2v1 break when he exchanged the ball with Paolella and the second off a Cachia exclusion). Valletta scored his hat-trick and Soler made it a 6-goal personal tally for Sliema.

On the opposite end, Sean Gravina netted after Brownrigg’s third personal foul whilst Lanzon grabbed his poker with two goals (one on a Valletta man-up and the second through his second penalty goal on the day).

Neptunes: Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon 4, Timothy Agius, Karl Galea 1, Edward Cachia, Kurt Micallef, Jordan Camilleri, Rambert Attard, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina 1, John Paris, Michele Stellini, Matthew Pisani, Ryan Sciortino, Adrian Cachia.

Sliema: Josie Cachia, Christian Gialanze, Edward Aquilina 2, Jerome Gabaretta, Mark Meli 1, John Soler 6, Daniel Paolella, John Brownrigg 1, Clint Debono 1, Jonathan Valletta 3, James Spiteri Staines, Nikolai Lubrano, Miguel Manara, Ryan Coleiro.

Refs: Mario Dalli, Massimo Ancilleri

winter league - April 19 2008

vassallobernard — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:30:31 CDT

Neptunes Vodafone 10 – Exiles Pender Gardens 7

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

Neptunes managed to make it three wins in a row with a victory over Exiles, although the latter produced a very encouraging performance and surely left the water with their heads held high.

The reds got off to a good start opening a comfortable 5-1 lead (including two man-up goals) after just the first session which led them to lower a bit their ‘gloves’. Exiles took full advantage and found more space where to manoeuvre and as a result their morale rose quite a bit and managed to play, at times, well at par with their superior opponents.

Michele Stellini was in form in the offensive plays and scored a poker with his third, which was the only goal netted in the third session, possibly being the best of the day as he managed to beat Rueben Bonnici (who played in the last two sessions after young Alan Borg Cole defended Exiles’ goal in the first 16 minutes of play) with a diagonal shot off the post from a tight angle.

Captain Nicky Lanzon produced a hat-trick (two man-up goals) with two of the goals coming in the initial session.

After falling 1-7 behind, Exiles started to share more of the spoils and goals from Martin Calleja and Michael Rizzo helped them to reduce the deficit to four goals at the change of ends.

The final session got off with a nice goal from Matthew Pisani off a delicate lob but two Karl Rizzo Naudi goals followed by a David Pace Lupi man-up goal kept Exiles’ spirit high for a 9-6 score.

Play remained balanced, although Neptunes were home and dry, in the final minutes as both sides shared a respective goal.

Neptunes : Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon 3, Timothy Agius, Karl Galea 1, Edward Cachia, Kurt Micallef, Jordan Camilleri, Rambert Attard, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina, John Paris 1, Michele Stellini 4, Matthew Pisani 1, David Carauna, Adrian Cachia.

Exiles : Alan Borg Cole, Simon Vassallo, Karl Rizzo Naudi 2, David Pace Lupi 1, Timmy Sullivan, Julian Rizzo Naudi, Michael Rizzo 2, Kurt Grixti, Mark Galea, Karl Enriquez, Seb Cini, Andrew Zarb Cousin, Martin Calleja 2, Rueben Bonnici, Gabriel Galea.

Refs : Ivan Sciriha, Miro Caruana

Sirens Hard Rock Cafe 8 – San Giljan 11

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

Both teams started the game still in search of their first points. San Giljan managed to offer a more consistent and decisive performance so as to register their first seasonal win.

Sirens were off to a good start as they went 2-0 ahead after less than two minutes of play with David Cutajar opening the score with a high shot behind Camilleri’s right and then Ranier Scerri increased the St Paul ’s Bay side’s lead.

Matthew Zammit immediately replied just 22 seconds after Scerri’s netting and the same player equalised, through a penalty after a Galea foul, late in the 6th minute.

The Saints forged ahead a minute later when Kayne Lanzon scored on a man-up and then it was Andrea Bianchi who beat Grech for 4-2 at the end of the first session.

Bianchi made it a personal brace with a man-up goal early in the second session. Although Clint Mercieca broke Sirens’ 8-minute goal drought, San Giljan managed to go 7-3 in the lead midway into the match as Zammit scored his hat-trick after John Xerri de Caro had notched the saints’ fifth goal.

The third session was a balanced affair with Sirens working hard to get back into the game. They managed to reduce the margin by one goal as they had goals from Mercieca and Tony Galea with Zammit netting his fourth on the opposite end.

A man-up goal from Cutajar, early in the final session, made it an 8-6 game and it looked like Sirens were to claw back.

De Caro’s brace, off a diagonal shot, for San Giljan was duly replied with a Jurgen Borg netting just seconds later for yet another two-goal game, 9-7. The same Borg was unlucky when he had a shot hitting the crossbar and Sirens paid dearly when Bianchi surprised Grech to grab his hat-trick and then Zammit made it a nap-hand a minute from the end.

Paul Privitera scored a consolation goal just before the final horn when he beat Camilleri, the latter having a good performance with some effective saves.

Sirens: Allen Grech, Tyson Debono, Tony Galea 1, Paul Privitera 1, Edward Bonello, Ryan Mock, Jurgen Borg 1, David Cutajar 2, Peter Borg, Ranier Scerri 1, Clint Mercieca 2, Reinhard Attard, Joseph Zammit, Alex Attard, Paul Micallef.

San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro, Steve Farrugia, Kurt Grech, Matthew Zammit 5, Matthew Pace, Andrea Bianchi 3, Glen Ghirxi, Paul Fava, John Xerri de Caro 2, Kayne Lanzon 1.

Refs: Mario Dalli, Alex Deraffaele

Under 17

Sliema McDonalds 9 – Sirens 7

(2-1, 4-2, 2-2, 1-2)

winter league - April 12 2008

vassallobernard — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:28:23 CDT

Neptunes Vodafone 13 – Sirens Hard Rock Café 8

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

Neptunes secured their second winter league win after they overcame, quite convincigly, Sirens' challenge.

Neptunes got off to a good start as they were 3-0 ahead after the first session. Karl Galea notched his first two goals (the initial one off a close range flick on a Galea man-up) of four in the match by the third minute and then Nicky Lanzon made it 3-0 on a Borg exclusion.

Sirens’ best patch came early in the second session when they managed to momentarily reduce the margin to a solitary goal.

David Cutajar scored an early goal with a diagonal shot but this was duly replied through a powerful Michele Stellini bounce shot.

Sirens had the upper hand at this moment and Clint Merciea and Cutajar (on a 4v3 break) made it a one-goal game at 4-3.

However Neptunes ’ initial 3-goal lead at the start of the session was restored by the second session’s end when a respective Galea and Borg man-up were converted into goals by Neptunes, both netted by Galea.

The summer champions’ win was ascertained in the third session when the reds clearly took control and netted five goals against a solitary goal from their opponents so as to find themselves 11-4 ahead with eight minutes to go.

Lanzon grabbed the first goal in this session off a rebound. Although Sirens’ Cutajar scored his hat-trick a minute later, there were three goals in the space of slightly over a minute at the opposite end.

Stellini scored a beauty with a diagonal scorcher from the right, Galea gave a perfect assist to Lanzon for 9-4 and then Stellini scored his brace in the 7th minute.

Seconds before the session’s end, Sean Gravina concluded a choral move between Paris , Galea and Gravina.

The last session was almost a formality even if Sirens managed to register a closer margin with Mercieca grabbing his poker with 3 goals (including a penalty) in these 8 minutes of play. Paul Privitera notched Sirens’ other goal in this final session.

Lanzon also scored his poker off an accurate Matthew Pisani assist, the latter then scoring the last goal in the game.

Neptunes: Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon 4, Timothy Agius, Karl Galea 4, Edward Cachia, Kust Micallef, Jordan Camilleri, Rambert Attard, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina 1, John Paris, Michele Stellini 3, Matthew Pisani 1, David Caruana, Adrian Cachia.

Sirens: Alan Grech, Tyson Debono, Tony Galea, Paul Privitera 1, Peter Borg, Ryan Mock, Jurgen Borg, David Cutajar 3, Alex Attard, Ranier Scerri, Clint Mercieca 4, Reinhard Attard, Joseph Sammut, Paul Micallef, Edward Bonello.

Refs: Massimo Angileri, Alex De Raffaele

Sliema McDonalds 14 – Exiles Pender Gardens 6

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

The Tower Road derby ended in a comfortable win for Sliema so that the latter, similar to Neptunes , registered their second win in this winter league.

John Brownrigg (sick) was missing from the Blues’ line-up for this game.

On their part, Exiles were making their seasonal debut as they were not in action last week. They are now guided by ex-Malta goalkeeper Joe Caruana Dingli. They had Rueben Bonnici playing between the posts after this goalkeeper joined Exiles on loan from Marsaxlokk only for this winter campaign. Karl Enriquez was another new face in the Exiles’ squad.

Exiles managed to share some of the spoils early on in the game but Sliema gradually took the upper had as the minutes starting ticking by.

Karl Rizzo Naudi and David Pace Lupi replied to two marginal early leads by Sliema after goals from youngster Jerome Gabaretta followed by seasoned player Clint Debono.

Edward Aquilina (who scored a poker) and Jonathan Valletta (who notched a brace similar to Gabaretta and Debono) made it 4-2 at the end of the first session.

The second session was a somewhat tight affair, score-wise, although Sliema managed to extend their lead slightly to 6-5 at the change of ends.

Brothers Julian and Karl Rizzo Naudi shared three goals (including two penalties) for Exiles whilst John Soler netted two goals (one from a 5 metre free shot) and Daniel Paolella added another for Sliema.

The latter two sessions were in the blues’ favour as they extended further their lead with Exiles managing just to net a single goal late in the third session with K. Rizzo Naudi’s hat-trick.

Sliema: Josie Cachia, Christian Gialanze, Edward Aquilina 4, Jerome Gabaretta 2, Mark Meli, John Soler 3, Daniel Paolella 1, Clint Debono 2, Jonathan Valletta 2, James Spiteri Staines, Nicholai Lubrano, Ryan Coleiro.

Exiles: Rueben Bonnici, Simon Vassallo, Karl Rizzo Naudi 3, David Pace Lupi 1, Timmy Sullivan, Julian Rizzo Naudi 2, Andrew Zarb Cousin, Kurt Grixti, Mark Galea, Karl Enriquez, Seb Cini, Gabriel Galea, Martin Calleja, Alan Borg Cole, Giuseppe Desira Buttigieg.

Refs: Peter Balzan, Miro Caruana

videos 19 april 2008

vassallobernard — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:20:15 CDT

Video Section

vassallobernard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:58:37 CDT

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Fundamentals

NEW - Hungary vs Australia

NEW - Vasas vs Honved

NEW - Hungary Final Game 3

NEW - Recco vs Posilipo

Waterpolo - Let's go crazy

(5 minutes of goals, emotions and fights)

Goals from Melbourne 2007

Great Save!! - a penalty save with the foot

Serbia vs Italy - including Neptuens new foreigner Vujasinovic

Italy vs Australia - amazing last second winning goal

Recco - Posilipo

vassallobernard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:58:00 CDT

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Hungary Final Game 3

vassallobernard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:51:21 CDT

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Vasas vs Honved

vassallobernard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:48:12 CDT

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Hungary vs Australia 2008

vassallobernard — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 10:44:42 CDT

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Week 1 - April 5th

vassallobernard — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 10:17:10 CDT

Sliema McDonalds 11 – Sirens Hard Rock Café 7

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

Sliema: Josie Cachia, Christian Gialanze 1, Edward Aquilina 2, Jerome Gabaretta, Mark Meli 1, John Soler 2, Daniel Paolella, John Brownrigg 3, Clint Debono 1, Jonathan Valletta 1, James Spiteri Staines, Nicholai Lubrano, Ryan Coleiro.

Sirens: Alan Grech, Tyson Debono, Tony Galea, Paul Privitera 1, Edward Bonello, Ryan Mock 2, Jurgen Borg 2, David Cutajar, Alex Attard, Rainer Scerri 1, Karl Cremona, Paul Micallef, Clint Mercieca 1, Joseph Cremona, Joseph Sammut.

Refs: Peter Balzan, Ivan Sciriha.

The winter league got off with a clash between two of the local scene ‘top guns’. Sliema, who ended last season’s campaign with a KO win, faced the present winter league holders Sirens.

This first game commenced with a session which produced five man-ups but only resulted in a solitary netting, through Sirens’ lefty Jurgen Borg, from his customary position on the right, after almost two minutes of play.

Sirens, under the guidance of Dejan Simeonov and fielding also veteran ex-San Giljan Tony Galea, won three exclusions whilst Sliema, on their part coached by Peter Decesare, had two, including the season’s first when David Cutajar was excluded in the game’s first minute.

Sliema decisively overturned the score in the second session when they scored five consecutive goals, only for Sirens to break their goal drought, once again through Borg, very late in the session.

Sirens could have easily made it 2-0 when they won Jonathan Valletta’s second exclusion after just 9 minutes of play but the St Paul’s Bay side committed a blatant turnover and the blues’ debutant, ex-Neptunes, John Brownrigg pounced on the free ball and swam away to the opposite side to net his neo-side’s equaliser.

Mark Meli put Sliema in the lead just 45 seconds later when, on a Borg exclusion, Grech thwarted a Valletta shot but Meli was close by to flick in the rebound.

Valetta and Meli missed a respective good scoring opportunity, both off assists from Gialanze but John Soler, in the fifth minute, made it 3-1 with a low bounce shot.

Sliema were forcing Sirens to commit turnovers with their pressing defence.

Edward Aquilina made it 4-1 with what resulted in quite a lucky goal when his diagonal shot hit the right post and then ricocheted into the net off Grech’s head.

Very late in the session Brownrigg scored his second when he beat Grech with a low shot but then Sirens won a Paolella late exclusion and Borg made it 5-2 at the change of ends.

A beautiful choral move between Debono, Valletta and Brownrigg ended with the latter, faced with an open net, netting his hat-trick and the blues opened a momentary four-goal lead.

This lead was however almost completely neutralised in the space of a few minutes when Sirens clawed back to 5-6. Clint Mercieca scored a penalty and then, less than a minute later, young Ranier Scerri lobbed the ball delicately over Cachia.

Paul Privitera won his centre position tussle with Soler and beat Cachia for a 6-5 scoreline.

Sliema missed a man-up but then retruned to scoring ways when Christian Gialanze scored with a diagonal shot.

Sliema returned to a four-goal lead early in the last session when Soler and Aquilina (on an Attard man-up) scored another respective goal each.

Young Ryan Mock managed to beat Sliema’s rearguard for a 9-6 score midway into the session.

Sirens, with some youngsters in the water, could not stage a comeback and Sliema made sure of their victory when Clint Debono and Jonathan Valletta netted further goals for 11-6 in favour of last year’s KO winners.

Mock grabbed his brace with a late consolation goal for Sirens on a 3 v 2 break.

Neptunes Vodafone 10 – San Giljan ASC 8

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

Neptunes: Nicky Gouder, Nicky Lanzon 3, Timothy Agius, Karl Galea, Edward Cachia, Jordan Camilleri, Rambert Attard, David Camilleri, Sean Gravina, John Paris, Michele Stellini, Matthew Pisani 7, Kurt Micallef, David Caruana.

San Giljan: Dean Camilleri, Claudio Spiteri de Barro 1, Matthew Zammit 4, Matthew Pace, Andrea Bianchi 1, Glen Ghirxi, Paul Fava 1, John Xerri de Caro 1, Kayne Lanzon.

Refs: Mario Dalli, Massimo Angileri

The second game presented the Balluta derby which resulted with a well-fought contest won in the dying minutes by Neptunes .

San Giljan, led by Silvio Borg, played with only a nine-man squad and presented some new players. Paul Fava and Andrea Bianchi joined the saints from Sirens and Sliema respectively.

Reigning Summer champions Neptunes had two veteran ex-players rejoining the team. John Paris returned after last featuring for Exiles whilst Adrian Cachia came out of retirement and took his place as the substitute custodian.

Matthew Pisani surely started his season on a high note when he Neptunes’ main hero after he managed to net a total of seven personal goals throughout the match. Captain Nicky Lanzon added the other three Neptunes goals.

On the opposite end, Matthew Zammit showed moments of brilliance as San Giljan always fought hard to stay in touch and could, with more decisiveness and belief on their part, have left the water not empty handed.

Both sides shared a goal in the initial session. Debuttant Paul Fava opened the score for the Saints in the second minute only for Pisani to duly reply just 25 seconds later.

Neptunes took the lead early in the second session when Lanzon scored a penalty with a precise shot to Camilleri’s left.

The lead again changed hands when Zammit and Bianchi netted for the saints and although Pisani got a momentary equaliser, San Giljan went 4-3 ahead when Claudio Spiteri de Barro got his seasonal first goal.

Pisani surprised Camilleri, in the 15th minute, with a no-look shot and then the same player shook San Giljan’s morale when he made it 5-4 just half a second from the end of the session with a diagonal shot from a tight angle.

The third session was again a balanced affair as both sides shared six goals at par.

Neptunes opened a 3-goal lead, 7-4 (also through a quick goal from Pisani from an ‘Afric’ set-piece used at the start of the session) but this lead was short lived as San Giljan replied for a tight 8-7 score with just one session to go.

Midway into the last session Lanzon made it 9-7 on his brother’s exclusion but Zammit took just 23 seconds to make it again a 1-goal game.

Gouder came to Neptunes’ rescue with some fine saves at these latter stages of the game which was then finally decided when Pisani beat Camilleri with a low shot 35 seconds from the end.

Honours - History

vassallobernard — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:24:52 CDT

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Year	Div I League	K.O.
1925	Sliema Utd.	---
1926	Valletta D	---
1927	Not held	---
1928	Not held	---
1929	Sliema Utd.	---
1930	Not held	---
1931	Not held	---
1932	Sliema Utd.	---
1933	Neptunes	---
1934	Neptunes	Neptunes
1935	Sliema Utd.	Sliema “A”
1936	Not held	---
1937	Neptunes	---
1938	Neptunes	Sliema “A”
1939	Sliema ASC	---
1940/44	Not held	---
1945	Neptunes
1946	Sliema ASC	---
1947	Sliema ASC	---
1948	Sliema ASC	Valletta
1949	Neptunes	Neptunes
1950	Valletta	Valletta
1951	Valletta	Valletta
1952	Balluta	Balluta
1953	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1954	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1955	Valletta	Valletta
1956	Valletta	Valletta
1957	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1958	Balluta	Sliema ASC
1959	Sirens ASC	Balluta
1960	Sirens ASC	Sliema ASC
1961	Sirens ASC	Balluta
1962	Sliema ASC	Sirens
1963	Balluta	Balluta
1964	Neptunes	Neptunes
1965	Balluta	Sliema ASC
1966	Balluta	Not held
1967	Sirens ASC	Neptunes
1968	Sliema ASC	Balluta
1969	Neptunes	Neptunes
1970	Valletta	Neptunes
1971	Valletta	Sliema ASC
1972	Neptunes	Neptunes
1973	Valletta	Not held
1974	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1975	Sliema ASC	Neptunes
1976	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1977	Neptunes	Sliema ASC
1978	Sliema ASC	Neptunes
1979	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1980	Valletta	Neptunes
1981	Sliema ASC	Neptunes
1982	Sliema ASC	Valletta
1983	Sliema ASC	Neptunes
1984	Neptunes	Sliema ASC
1985	Valletta	Valletta
1986	Neptunes	Sliema ASC
1987	Neptunes	Neptunes
1988	Neptunes	Neptunes
1989	Neptunes	Sirens ASC
1990	Valletta	Neptunes
1991	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1992	San Giljan	Sliema ASC
1993	Neptunes	San Giljan

Year	Div I League	K.O.	Winter League
1994	San Giljan	Neptunes	Neptunes
1995	San Giljan	San Giljan	San Giljan
1996	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1997	M’Scala	Sliema ASC	Sirens ASC
1998	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC
1999	Sliema ASC	Sirens ASC	Sliema ASC
2000	Sirens ASC	Sirens ASC	Neptunes
2001	Sliema ASC	Sirens ASC	Sirens ASC
2002	Sliema ASC	Sliema ASC	Neptunes
2003	Sliema ASC	Neptunes	Neptunes
2004	Sliema ASC	Sirens ASC	Neptunes
2005	Sirens ASC	Neptunes	Not Held
2006 2007 2008	Neptunes WPSC Neptunes	Sirens ASC Sliema	Neptunes WPSC Sirens ASC

25th August - Neptunes vs Sliema

vassallobernard — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 07:43:06 CDT

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More from this game yet to come in the coming days

Team Presentation Pre Match

Game 1: Neptunes take the lead from a penalty after Pisani's shrewd action

Game 2 : Action 1st session

Game 3: Action 1st session

Game 4: Neptunes 2-0 through David Camilleri's deflected shot

Game 5: Matthew Pisani lobs in 3-0

Game 6 - Action

Game 8: Neptunes go 4-0 up

Game 9: Sliema score 4-1

Game 10: Further 2nd session action

Game 11: Varga scores for Sliema 4-2

Game 12: Neptunes score 5-2 just before end of 2nd session

Supporters on both sides

Game 13 : third session action

Game 14: action including Valletta's definite exclusion

Game 15: Action 3rd session

Game 16: John Brownroigg makes it 8-2

Game 17: Matthew Pisani breaks away for 9-2

Game 18: Mark Meli scores for Sliema 3-9

Game 19: Michael Rizzo strikes for 4-9

Game 20: Steve Camilleri makes it double figures for Neptunes

Game 21: Steve Camilleri's poker 11-4

game press report 25th August 2007

vassallobernard — Sun, 26 Aug 2007 09:10:24 CDT

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Neptunes annihilate Sliema to become back-to-back champions

Neptunes Vodafone 12 – Sliema McDonalds 4

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

Neptunes: N. Gouder, N. Lanzon, J. Camilleri, M. Stellini, J. Brownrigg 1, V. Vujasinovic 3, S. Camilleri 4, L. Attard, D. Camilleri 1, S. Gravina, R. Sciortino, G. Sammut, M. Pisani 3.

Sliema : J. Cachia, C. Gialanze, N. Lubrano, E. Aquilina, M. Rizzo 1, M. Meli 1, J. Soler, T. Varga 2, J. Valletta, C. Debono, D. Paolella, A. Bianchi, J. Gabaretta.

Refs: L. Bianco, M. Dalli

Neptunes made it a back-to-back championship success after practically annihilating and wiping out arch rivals Sliema, in yesterday’s much-awaited final league campaign encounter which was watched by a bumper crowd clad in either red or blue, so as to make it a total of 18 championship crowns for this club based in Balluta and led administratively by president Matthew Bonello and technically steered by Sergio Afric assisted by Karl Izzo.

If their outing against Sirens (with a 14-3 win) was termed by many as splendid, then the reds saved the best for last as they produced a magnificent display and outclassed their rivals and registered a score that will surely be remembered for quite some time.

The reds suffered only one defeat in this summer campaign, incidentally against Sliema in the preliminary back in mid-June. Since then Neptunes moved forward with 8 consecutive games without defeat including a last gasp winner against Sirens, a low score draw against Sliema and an impressive large win over Sirens just two weeks ago.

Sliema faced a lot of pressure as they were fully aware that nothing but a win could keep open their title hopes as that eventual win would have led them to end the league in joint top spot with Neptunes and thus a decider would have been needed to determine this year’s champion.

On the other hand, Neptunes knew even a draw was enough for them to be declared champions but surely, prior to the match, they were nervous for the fact that they had not beaten their eternal rivals in the previous two summer league games as Sliema had won the preliminary round match 10-9 and the second round match had ended in a low-scoring draw at 4-4.

Neptunes ’ success was a collective effort. They had to do without centre-man Karl Galea for the last part of the league but yesterday they had each player in fine form. Serb Vujasinovic was a great leader, S. Camilleri was the second ‘foreigner’ whilst Pisani, Stellini and D. Camilleri looked hungry for a win. Yet one has to praise an outstanding performance from Nicky Gouder who surely silenced all his critics with what I regard his best ever game as he was very motivated, confident and practically unbeatable.

Neptunes had a positive start when they won a penalty late in the first minute thanks mostly to Matthew Pisani’s crafty ploy of going underwater after Josie Cachia had made two point blank saves off Vujasinovic and S. Camilleri on a Debono exclusion.

Pisani saw Soler recieve the ball and came from underneath him to steal the ball and then was fouled for a penalty. Steve Camilleri took the responsibility and made it 1-0 amidst great shouts from the Neptunes’ fans.

Sliema, from the outset, started having problems to penetrate the Neptunes rearguard as Sergio Afric prepared a very tight defence apart from having Nicky Gouder in an awesome form as this goalkeeper surely had one of his best ever performances and looked safe as a bank.

Early in the 6th minute the reds’ lead was increased when David Camilleri’s shot from some 6 metres was deflected just enough to outplay Cachia’s efforts to stop the ball.

Incited by their rowdy supporters Neptunes kept the momento and Matthew Pisani managed to find Sliema’s net with a delicate lob so as to make it 3-0.

Just before the end of the first session Sliema, who had to do without defender Francesco Cutajar, had an opportunity to open the score when Pisani was excluded but Neptunes ’ defence blocked the Blues’ attempt.

The second session commenced with Gouder making a good save off a close range Meli effort. Half a minute later Varga was excluded after fouling Vujasinovic and S. Camilleri, from a central position, made it 4-0.

Sliema’s goal drought was broken midway in the 14th minute when D. Camilleri was excluded and Tamas Varga managed to beat Gouder. The blues’ hopes were surely revived when Varga got his brace, just 18 seconds from the session’s end, when he shot powerfully on a Stellini exclusion.

However the blues committed what seemd to be a blatant exclusion foul which gave a good chance to Neptunes to close the session three goals ahead and this is in fact what happened as Pisani had a lob hitting the crossbar and Soler fouled Gravina for a second penalty in the match, again through a Soler personal foul.

Four seconds from the change of ends it was Vladimir Vujasinovic who coolly scored from 5 metres for a 5-2 score.

Once again Gouder came to Neptunes ’ rescue early in the third session. Shortly afterwards Sliema had a Stellini man-up (now on his second fault) but Aquilina’s shot was blocked.

A minute later Meli was excluded anfd Vujasinovic made it a personal brace with a powerful low shot to the left corner just as Meli was re-entering into the pitch.

In Neptunes ’ Subsequent offensive ploy, Valletta was excluded definitely nad Vujasinovic registered his hat-trick and made it 7-2 with the reds’ clan already now sensing the title.

Gouder continued to thwart off Sliema’s attempts, this time making great saves off an Aquilina very close range shot, Meli and Debono.

Sliema looked a subdued lot before the last session and this worsened as John Brownrigg made it 8-2 with a 6 metre shot off a free throw with only 1 second on the shot clock. The same player was excluded second slater but again it was Gouder who distinguished himself with yet another save.

Early in the 27th minute Pisani scored his second when he broke away clear as now there was no stopping the reds’ supporters from celebrating the title and a big victory over their rivals.

Mark Meli scored a consolation goal for Sliema when his team had a double man-up with D. Camilleri and Brownrigg excluded simultaneously. Meli, however, was himself excluded for good shortly afterwards when he committed his 3rd personal fault.

Michael Rizzo made it 9-4 with a low shot midway in the session’s 4th minute but then Neptunes closed the game, and league, in style with a 3-0 run to make it a big 8-goal margin.

Steve Camilleri scored twice to register his poker with Soler finishing out of the game in between these goals. Then, 90 seconds from time, Pisani broke away on a solitary break and notched the league’s last goal.

At the end of the match there were big celebrations by the Neptunes ’ clan as they celebrated their 18th championship and second in a row. The biggest cheer was reserved for when their captain, Niki Lanzon, was awarded the Wilkinson Sword trophy form Ms. Lara Scicluna, on behalf of the league’s sponsors, and he raised the cup towards the supporters.

Neptunes’ road to success:

1 June vs. Exiles 23-3

2 June vs. M’Scala 18-1

7 June vs M’Xlokk 18-3

9 June vs Otters 26-2

13 June vs Ta Xbiex 17-5

17 June vs Sliema 9-10

23 June vs San Giljan 12-7

29 June vs Sirens 9-8

22 July vs Sirens 9-5

28 July vs San Giljan 11-6

4 August vs Sliema 4-4

11 August vs Sirens 14-3

18 August vs San Giljan 13-6

25 August vs Sliema 12-4

Neptunes’ championship titles:

1933-1934-1937-1938-1945-1949-1964-1969-1972-1977-1984-1986-1987-1988-1989-1993-2006-2007.

Local Game Videos Section

vassallobernard — Sat, 25 Aug 2007 17:16:38 CDT

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