Exiles 8 Sliema 14

(2-1) (2-4) (1-2) (3-7)

Exiles played their last Premier fixture against neighbours Sliema when they met on Friday night at the National Pool.

The match started on a good note for Exiles to forge ahead and win the first session thanks to a very attentive rear guard marshalled by goal-keeper Ian Bugeja who was inspirational to his team mates with convincing saves. The second quarter saw Sliema score four goals in a row without a reply before a reaction by our boys just before the final whistle saw the gap narrow to one goal.

The match was a balanced affair up the end of the third session but this was due to erratic conclusions by both sets of attacks and fine goal-keeping which kept at bay the respective opponents. In the fourth session Exiles  failed to keep up the tempo and were cut down to size with Sliema’s deadly counter attacks.

All told, the team’s display was encouraging, with most the players trying shots at goal. The approach to the game was good and augurs well for the four remaining matches against Sirens and Valletta United in the Relegation Group made up of these three teams whilst Neptunes SLiema and San Giljan will fight it out to declare this summer’s waterpolo champions.

Whilst Sliema had eight man-ups, Exiles had just two occasions which were converted.

Maurizio Mirarchi made use of the following players  Ian Bugeja, Julian Rizzo Naudi (2 goals), Simon Vassallo, David Pace Lupi, Gergerly Katonas (1 goal), James Spiteri Staines (1 goal), Kurt Griscti, Luka Sekulic (2 goals), Peter Borg (2 goals) and Kayne Lanzon.

The first match for Exiles in the Relegation Pool is scheduled for Tuesday the 12th August 2014 at the National Pool at 18.15 hours when Exiles take on Sirens.

KaFa

photo by Adrian Farrugia

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