Exiles Jetfreight 4 Sliema 7

Partial scores (2-1) (0-3) (2-2) (0-1)

Exiles ran close their neighbours Sliema when both teams clashed last night in their last fixture of the Preliminary Round of this year’s Waterpolo Premier Winter League.  Dorian Pisani had regular goalkeeper Matthew Castillo and Timmy Sullivan back in the squad after missing the previous encounter. The team had a good start winning the first quarter with some solid defending and quick counter attacking which proved effective. In the second quarter the Blues nosed in front, scoring three goals without any reply to lead 4-2 at the half-way mark. Two sizzling shots in the first two minutes inside the third session saw Exiles drawing level before Sliema pulled ahead to restore the two-goal lead with another goal scored in the first minute of the last session to seal the issue as fatigue signs in both sets of teams seemed evident.

The Exiles’ team performance was a marked improvement on the last outing against the strongest outfit of this League –  San Giljan which brushed aside  a weak opposition  shorn of three first team players. The team spirit showed last night by the players was commendable as was the concentration of the young players that Coach Pisani introduced. The failure once again to score most of the man-ups (1 on 6) has a negative effect on the morale as well as the final scores and this shortcoming needs to be addressed.

Coach Pisani had the following players at his disposal – Matthew Castillo , Julian Rizzo Naudi, Jake Bajada, Michele Stellini (1 goal), Timmy Sullivan (3 goals), Sean Xerri de Caro, Daniel Borg Millo, Kurt Griscti , Nicky Paris, Andrea Bianchi, Simon Apap, Luca Felice and Steve Galea Pace.

Exiles have finished in the sixth and last position in the table after the end of the Preliminary Round and will now meet Sirens to establish the fifth and sixth position. On Sunday the 30th April, the match card includes three matches to determine the final classification with Exiles taking the Northerners at 09.30 hours.

KaFa

photo by Adrian Farrugia shows  Sliema player Mark Meli (blue cap 5) attempting a shot at goal with Exiles goalkeeper Matthew Castillo and Timmy Sullivan (white cap) defending their fort.

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