SLIEMA 8
SAN ĠILJAN 12
(2-3, 3-2,1-2, 2-5)
San Ġiljan kept their hopes of landing the ENEMED Cup alive with a hard-earned win over Sliema at Tal-Qroqq on Thursday.
The Saints had Matthew Zammit back in form as Dino Zammit was also in inspirtial mood.
It was only in the last session that San Ġiljan managed to pull away, mainly through their class and experience. On Thursday, they had to win at all costs to stay in contention and some fine goalkeeping by Jake Tanti also helped the side to preserve the lead in third session.
With Sliema now eliminated from the ENEMED Cup, San Ġiljan must beat Neptunes tomorrow first, to meet them again in the title decider on Sunday. A win for Neptunes tomorrow will see them win the cup.
Goals alternated in the first session with Jerome Gabarretta and Dino Zammit scoring two goals apiece but Matthew Zammit was sharp to score following a fast move and San Ġiljan lead 3-2 at that stage.
San Ġiljan started the second session with a bang as Zammit hit home before Matthew Mifsud reduced the deficit. Ben Plumpton hit a scorcher from six metres but two quick goals by Zach Mizzi and John Brownrigg brought parity for Sliema.
San Ġiljan were the better side in the third session as Dino Zammit gave them the lead – 6-5. Sliema were not giving up that easily though and Brownrigg drew the teams level yet again.
San Ġiljan, however regained composure and restored their lead thanks to Dino Zammit.
The Saints were too hot for Sliema in the last session scoring through Dino and Darren Zammit, Andrea Galea, Plumpton and Matthew Zammit. Mifsud, with two goals replied for Sliema but by then San Ġiljan were already home and dry.
Sliema: N. Grixti, J. Gabarretta 2, M. De Marco, R. Greco, M. Meli, B. Cachia, N. Schiavone, M. Mifsud 3, J. Brownrigg 2, D. Rizzo, Z. Mizzi 1, S. Azzopardi, Z. Sciberras.
San Ġiljan: J. Tanti, D. Zahra, A. Galea 1, D. Fero, R. Caruana, M. Zammit 3, M. Ortoleva, J. Bonavia B. Plumpton 2, Darren Zammit 1, K. Galea, Dino Zammit 5, G. Vassallo.
Referee Massimo Angileri, Ronnie Spiteri
