Sliema 14 Exiles Elia Caterers 13

Partial scores (2-2) (5-5) (5-4) (2-2)

Sliema had the better of Exiles when earlier tonight they met at the National Pool in what ended up as a balanced affair.

As the partial scores clearly indicate, the match between Exiles and Sliema could have gone either way.

A battling Exiles side showed signs of improvement on their last outing against San Giljan though sharper shooting was expected from Igor Vukanovic’s team.

Sliema’s plan was to double mark Exiles’ spearhead, Milos Vukicevic by risking an extra opponent to take the final shot. Better shooting on Exiles’ part would have tilted the match in their favour.

It was in the third session that Sliema opened a three-goal lead (10-7) three minutes into the quarter, as they defended solidly and took the Exiles rearguard by surprise on the counter. A gallant Exiles side  fought back to trim the gap to a slender goal (11-12) by the quarter’s end with two quick goals in the last minute.

Man-ups  – Exiles scored 5 on 8 exclusions including a double one in the third session. Sliema converted a penalty awarded at the end of the second session, scored the next two man-ups in the third session but failed their three attempts in the final quarter.

Igor Vukanovic  had regular goalkeeper Matthew Castillo back in the side and made use of the following players Michele Stellini (2 goals), Marco Jelaka (2 goals), Timmy Sullivan (1 goal), Sean Xerri de Caro (1 goal), Mark Fenech (2 goals), Kurt Griscti, Milos Vukicevic (3 goals), Aurelien Cousin (2 goals), Nicky Paris and Philip Paris.

Next match for Exiles is next Saturday 3rd August when in the Knock-Out Competition, they were pitted against Sirens. Swim-up at 18.00 hours.

KaFa

photo by Adrian Farrugia shows Michele Stellini with the ball

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