Partial scores: (0-2) (1-2) (1-3) (4-6)

Sliema beat Exiles without stretching themselves in a comfortable win which was sealed by the end of the third session when they led 7-2.

On their part, our boys had a slow but a steady start even though they took time to settle with a few shots directed at the opponents’ goal. One could admire the boys’ determination to gel with Romain Blary and Marco Cuk but the cohesion  in the attack was lacking where the final pass towards the centre was erratic even though the few times, the ball ended in the hole, the opponents’ defenders were thrown out and goals scored.

It seems that  Maurizio Mirarchi’s instructions were not being heeded and at times proved costly to the team as goals suffered from counter attacks sagged the boys’ morale. In the final session, the match was characterized by strong swimming from both sides and the quarter provided ten goals with Exiles adding four goals to their final tally after Sliema changed their regular goalkeeper.

Exiles had ten expulsions with Sliema scoring four man-ups and the two penalties awarded were converted. When in numerical advantage Exiles found the net twice  out of six chances whilst Maro Cuk scored a penalty.

Italian Coach Mirarchi had Matthew Pisani as his assistant and made use of ten players, Ian Bugeja, Simon Vassallo (2 goals),David Pace Lupi, Romain Blary (2 goals), James Spiteri Staines (1 goal), Sean Gravina, Kurt Griscti, Andrea Bianchi, Marco Cuk (1 goal) and Kayne Lanzon. David Abela, Luca Peric and Philip Paris were not utilized.

Next match is on Wednesday 10th June  against current Premier League Champions Neptunes who lost in their opening match against hot contenders San Giljan 7-8.

The swim-up is at 19.00 hours

KaFa

photo James Bianchi

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