Never a toe-to-toe contest as Valletta are dismissed

Neptunes 14 – Valletta 9
(3-2, 4-1, 5-1, 2-5)

Despite a tight scoreline in the opening quarter during which our team took a 3-2 advantage, this was never a toe-to-toe contest as the lead was extended to 12- 4 by the end of the middle sessions. We then closed the match on 14-9.

Following that third part of the game it was a non-sequitur after coach Dorian Pisani opted to put on hold until the end the services of several of his established units in preference to the tailenders. That brought the youngsters into the scene as they were handed extended duties in the water.

Our quickfire trio of Niki Lanzon, Jordan Camilleri and Clint Mercieca, the last mentioned being utilised principally in a deeper role, shared 12 of the 14 goals, with Michele Stellini and Timmy Agius nicking in the other two.

It was siesta time after we opened that eight-goal advantage at the end of the penultimate session. By then the shooting power and movement of captain Niki Lanzon and Jordan Camilleri were considered to be surplus for the Reds’ purposes.

Consequently, Valletta were able to avoid further damage when winning the last session 5-2.

Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon, L.Calleja, M. Stellini, T. Agius, M. Lanzon, K. Navarro, J. Camilleri, A. Zarb Cousin, S. Xerri De Caro, K. Debattista, G. Mizzi, C. Mercieca

Valletta: R. Sciortino, R. Mock 2, M. Spiteri Staines 2, M. Rizzo, S. Cachia, M. Cordina 2, C. Zammit, R. Scerri 1, D. Paolella 1, JC Farrugia 1, D. Abela

Referees: A. DeRaffaele, M. Dalli

Neptunes defeated ASA Under 19 13-7 in a non-competitive match days before.