Exiles 8 Neptunes 16

(2-3) (0-4) (3-6) (3-3)

Exiles were no match to a superior Neptunes outfit when the two teams met on Saturday the 20th July at the National Pool. Exiles took an early lead after Ian Bugeja had saved a penalty taken by Stevie Camilleri. The current champions practically wrapped the encounter at the half-way stage when Exiles conceded four goals without replying. In the third session, our lads reacted to score three consecutive goals to bridge the gap to three goals (5-8), before the Reds from Balluta bay took control by piling five further goals in the last four minutes of the quarter to seal the issue. The last session saw the two coaches rotating their teams until the final whistle saw Neptunes book a place in the Knock-Out Final against Sliema.

For the record, Exiles had nine major fouls against including two penalties which were awarded in the first and second sessions. In the seven man down situations, they avoided goals in four occasions. Neptunes had their players expelled for 20 seconds on six occasions but conceded only one goal. A penalty was also awarded to Exiles and converted by Sasha Radovic.

For Exiles, Mark Magri (photo)  made his debut after his inclusion in the line-up instead of Nick Portelli who was sidelined with an injury.

Coach Cousin made use of the following players: Ian Bugeja, Julian Rizzo Naudi, Simon Vassallo, David Pace Lupi (2 goals), Mark Magri, Sasha Radovic (3 goals), James Spiteri Staines, Vojaslav Cupic, Kurt Griscti (1 goal), Peter Borg (2 Goals), Diego Borg and Kayne Lanzon.

Two tough matches await the team this week when the Premier League resumes – against Sliema tomorrow (23rd July) at 19.15 and on Friday 26th July when they take on San Giljan.

KaFa

Comments