Neptunes 6 Exiles Jetfreight 5

Coach Dorian Pisani and his technical crew must feel disappointed leaving the National Pool empty handed after see their team leading throughout the match but ending on the losing side when the final horn was sounded. There was however an air of satisfaction in the Exiles’ camp after a keen encounter in which a ‘new look’ side fought at par with their opponents who took the water shorn of the Camilleri brothers, Stevie and Jordan.

The boys have to be commended for their overall performance. The match was indeed a balanced affair with both teams having their moments. Exiles lead for most stages and it was only in the last 30 seconds of the third quarter, that the Reds nosed ahead for the first time (5-4) before Exiles drew level inside the third minute of the final quarter.  In the third session,Exiles somehow stalled the tempo shown in the first half of the encounter. Their inability to cash in on four consecutive man ups, saw their two-goal lead fizzle to lose the session (1-3) and the lead in the match.The last 41 seconds of the match were indeed dramatic; Neptunes’ player Sean Gravina was sent out and Exiles called a time-out to try and maximize their numerical advantage. The ball was fumbled before the 30-second possession was over for the opposing side to force an Exiles player out, 19 seconds to the end. After a time-out, Neptunes netted the winner  in the last two seconds, through a fluke goal – strange deflection which disorientated a steady Exiles’ keeper Matthew Calleja ending at the back of the net.

Exiles  failed to score any of the six man-ups situations whilst Neptunes converted tw0 of their seven man-ups as well as a penalty awarded. There were two double exclusions.

Exiles played with the following formation: Matthew Castillo, Julian Rizzo Naudi, Jake Bajada, Michele Stellini (1 goal), Timmy Sullivan (2 goals), Sean Xerr de Caro (1 goal), Daniel Borg Millo, Kurt Griscti, Nicky Paris (1 goal), Andrea Bianchi, Benjii Lanzon, Luca Felice and Steve Galea Pace.

Next match scheduled for Tuesday 4th April 2017 against Sirens who drew 4-4 with Valletta United. Swim up at 19.45 hours.

KaFa

Photo by Adrian Farrugia shows Exiles rearguard  Julian Rizzo Naudi and Timmy Sullivan wearing blue caps, blocking a Neptunes’ attack

Comments