Exiles Elia Caterers 5 Sirens 5

Partial scores (1-2) (1-2) (1-1) (2-0)

Exiles finished their commitments in this year’s Winter League with a merited draw against Sirens when earlier this evening both teams met at the National Swimming Pool Complex.

It was a nail-biting match with both coaches opting for a press defence. Exiles were chasing at the half-way mark (2-4) but they reacted to win the second half of the match (3-1) and settle for a draw.

The match was balanced with Sirens practically always in command of matters. Exiles came from behind in the third and fourth sessions with a solid defence and rapid breaks which seemed to shake a tired opposition. With twenty seconds to the end, Sirens were awarded a penalty but their taker fumbled the ball, resulting in a change of possession and the calling of a time-out by Igor Vukanovic. Just seven seconds to the final horn. a Sirens player was excluded but Exiles failed to take advantage when the shot was controlled by their opponents’ keeper.

Exiles converted 1 of their 5 man-up situations. Sirens scored their first three man-ups and a penalty awarded in the second session but missed their two other extra man situations and a penalty in the last twenty seconds of the game. There was also a double exclusion.

Scorers for Exiles Nicky Paris (2 goals), Aurelien Cousin (2 goals) and Michele Stellini (1 goal).

The Winter League resumes in three weeks’ time on the 5th May when second placed Neptunes take on third placed Valletta followed by the other semi-final in which leaders San Giljan take on Sliema who booked the remaining slot in the Preliminary Round. The Final is scheduled for Saturday the 11th May.

KaFa

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