The blues obtained their fifth victory in the Preliminary Round of the BOV National Waterpolo league when beating Sirens 11-10.
The game was a close affair throughout. Sliema led the scoring for most of the game, but Sirens never backed out of contention, keeping the score close and at times during the game , also managing to draw the score level.
Paul Privitera put the blues in the lead early, on during the 1st session, with David Cutajar levelling the score for Sirens. Bogdan Rath and John Soler scored for the blues with Sirens' Clint Mercieca responding to put the score at 3-2 for Sliema at the end of the 1st period.
The second session had more of the same coming. Sirens levelled the score at 3-3 through Jurgen Borg but Sliema once again managed to open a two goal lead courtesy of goals by Rath and Meli. As the session progressed Sirens drew level through three goals from Yugoslav Vasovic.
An important twist to the game occurred during the 3rd session. This session was won by Sliema 4-1, with the blues, thus going into the last session of the game enjoying a three goal lead.
Sirens made a bold comeback during the last session. Goals from Clint Mercieca and Vasovic cut Sliema's lead to only one goal. Paul Privitera scored to give the blues some breathing space but Vasovic (scorer of five goals in the match) once again put Sirens in contention. The final moments of the game saw Sirens trying to net that elusive equalizer, but the blues held on to garner another, two important points in the league.
Paul Privitera was Sliema's top scorer in the game with four goals including a spectacular back-hand goal during the third session.
Sliema's next game will be against rivals and league joint leaders Neptunes on Saturday 10th July at 18:15
Session Scores : (Sliema-Sirens) (3-2),(3-4), (4-1),(1-3)
The Blues' line-up and scorers were :
Ryan
Jerome
Lubrano
Privitera (4)
Meli (1)
Soler (1)
Daniel
Brownrigg (1)
Clint (1)
Kunac
Rizzo
Rath (3)
Bianchi