San Giljan Crystal Finance Investments back in top position after beating Sliema

San Giljan Crystal Finance 11
Sliema Frank Salt       10
(4-3, 4-1, 1-3, 2-3)

The Saints overcame another tough obstacle, as they regained their top league placing, but it was close at the end, as the Blues rallied back from a five goal deficit, early on after the interval. Some slack play and wayward passing by Sliema enabled San Giljan to open up a good advantage, after a single goal lead in the opening session.

Mark Meli tied the score for the Blues in the next period, but Nikola Dedovic failed to score from a penalty throw, his first miss of the season, and the Saints grew in confidence, to rattle in four goals past their opponents, and lead comfortably, to the tune of 8-4 at the interval.

Matthew Zammit extended their advantage after the break, but Sliema recovered well, to out in three goals in a row, and come back into the match, on a 7-9 score.

In the last quarter Alex Attard reduced the deficit still more for Sliema, who also had a golden opportunity, when they were two men to the good, but failed to score.

The Saints then twice led on a double score.

Sliema went a goal behind, but there were only 22 seconds left on the clock, and San Giljan played out the remaining time, to emerge victors, and end the first round of play with a three point advantage over Neptunes. Sliema are now at a distance, in third position.

Guillermo Molina scored four goals, three of them from penalty throws, and Aurelien Cousin grabbed hat trick.

For Sliema Michael Bodegas also scored three times, one of them a penalty.

San Giljan: J. Sammut, P. Borg 1, A. Galea, B. Vapenski 1, G. Molina  4, M. Zammit 2, K. Galea, L. Saliba, T. Said, A. Cousin 3, P. Fava,  Di. Zammit, D. Spiteri

Sliema: R. Coleiro, J. Gabarretta 1, K. Dowling, N. Bugelli, M. Meli 2, J. Soler 1, M. Spiteri Staines, C. Cluett, J. Brownrigg , M. Bodegas 3, A. Attard 1, N. Dedovic 2, Z Sciberras

Referees: M. Angileri, A. Pascucci

Source: www.independent.com.mt

 

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