Last night Exiles took long to settle before disposing of a gallant and well-drilled Marsaxlokk side that were shorn of four regulars, to win the first round 13-5 in the best out of three matches to determine which of the two teams retains or gains Premiership status next season.

In the initial stages of the match, clear chances were fumbled, including a penalty throw whilst Marsaxlokk’s keeper Nello Xuereb stole the show with some fine saves that kept Exiles at bay in the first two quarters of the encounter for a low partial score of 4-2 in our favour by the half-way mark. As the minutes ticked, our opponents failed to keep the tempo, and the lucidity shown in the early stages of the match as Exiles took control with tighter marking and swift counter attacks.

Coach Dorian Pisani had to fume at his players until he got what he wanted to win the third and fourth sessions with ease. As the gap between the two teams widened, the Exiles Coach drafted in all the players on the bench to earn a merited win.

The second of the three-match series will now take place on Thursday the 8th September at 18.15 hours at the National Pool.

photo by Adrian Farrugia shows Milos Vukicevic (white cap) striking at Marsaxlokk’s goal-keeper Nello Xuereb.

KaFa

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