Sliema 11 Neptunes 9
(3-1, 2-2, 1-3, 2-2, 2-1, 1-0)
Sliema ASC have landed the 5th winter league title in the club's history, beating rivals Neptunes 11-9 after extra time in a tense final.
The game started brightly for Sliema, having opened a 5-1 lead mid way through the second session with two goals each for Mark Meli and John Soler, while John Brownrigg got the other goal.
With Stevie Camilleri back in their formation after yet another successful season in the Italian Serie A, and coach Sergei Markock leading the team from the bench, Neptunes managed to pull back to 6-6 by the end of the 3rd quarter. Sliema managed to nose 8-7 in front again in the 4th session, however Neptunes won and converted a penalty with 3.4 seconds to go for the final whistle. Jerome Gabaretta, back from the UK, Daniel Paolella and Mark Meli got Sliema's goals.
With both Clint Debono and Paul Privitera fouled out in the 4th session of normal time, Neptunes took an early 9-8 lead in the first half of extra-time. However two quick goals from Jerome Gabaretta and John Soler turned the score in Sergio Afric team's favour, while another John Soler goal sealed the victory with 1 min 42 seconds to go.
Thus, Sliema ASC were crowned victors of the 2010 Winter League, to maintain the positive run of honours, going back to the Summer League and Knock-Out victories in 2008 and the triple crown of Winter League, Summer League and Knock-Out in 2009.
Well done lads...the summer push starts here.
At the end of the game the blues' Captain, Clint Debono lifted the trophy amid the cheers of the Sliema team and clan. It was also another pleasant evening at the Ghar id-Dud club house.
Photos in the Gallery.
Formation
Ryan
Jerome (2)
Lubrano
Pawlu
Meli (3)
Soler (4)
Daniel (1)
Brownrigg (1)
Clint
James
Rizzo
Cordina
Bianchi
Coaches : Sergio Afric & Peter Decesare
Team Doctor : Tonio Agius
Referees : Mario Dalli & Massimo Angileri
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