Exiles Jetfreight 5 Sirens 5

(1-1) (2-2) (2-1) (0-1)

Exiles drew against Sirens in a close match played last night at the National Pool Complex to win its first point of this year’s Waterpolo Winter League. The encounter proved to be a balanced one with both teams trying to outwit their opponents’ defences. Exiles coach Dorian Pisani and Sergio Afric of Sirens both adopted a double-marking on the opposing centres to await the shot from outside the seven-metre zone. The Northerners kept the lead until the last minute of the second session before Exiles scored three successive goals to stretch its lead to two goals (5-3) before easing their tempo to allow their opponents catch up and draw level just under three minutes before the final horn.

Exiles failed once again to score any of their three man-up situations whilst Sirens net two of the six exclusions obtained.

All told it was a good team effort considering that the players had a few days to recover from the previous outing against Neptunes. On must also take into account the level of physical preparation which started a few weeks ago. Exiles’ rearguard inspired by keeper Matthew Calleja was solid in its defending  though two goals suffered from seven metres could have been avoided had the defending players put up the blocks. The build-up of the attacks was at times slower than expected. The five goals scored merit a mention as being well-taken.

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

Next match being played on Saturday 8th April, sees Exiles taking on Valletta United who have garnered one point against Sirens in their opening match followed by a defeat last night against San Giljan.

Swim up at 16.45 hours.

KaFa

picture taken by Adrian Farrugia shows Michele Stellini – scorer of a hat trick attempting a shot at  the Sirens’goal.

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