The National Pool Complex was treated to a spectacular showcase of elite local water polo over the weekend as the BOV Play-Off Finals 2026 got underway. Both the First Division and Premier Division series opened with high-scoring, high-octane thrillers that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Championship favorites Birżebbuġa ASC and Neptunes BGM struck first blood in their respective best-of-three series, putting themselves exactly one win away from lifting the coveted titles.

🤽 First Division: Radulovic Directs Birżebbuġa’s 22–15 Rout Over Marsaxlokk

In the opening clash of the finals, Birżebbuġa ASC showcased their offensive depth and ruthless transition game to secure a commanding 22–15 victory over southern rivals MXLOKK MFF Limited.

First Division Score Progression:
Birżebbuġa:  [7]  [4]  [4]  [7]  =  22
Marsaxlokk:  [3]  [2]  [6]  [4]  =  15

Key Match Highlights

• The Radulovic Show: Birżebbuġa’s Mario Radulovic put on an absolute masterclass, single-handedly dismantling the Marsaxlokk defense with a staggering eight-goal haul.
• Depth Advantage: Max Aquilina provided exceptional support with five goals, while captain Nicholas Bugelli and Jake Ciantar drilled in three goals each to keep the scoreboard ticking.
• Marsaxlokk’s Lone Warrior: Jamie Borg Tabone fought valiantly for the losing side, matching the intensity with an impressive seven goals. Nikola Bogdanovic added four goals but faced heavy exclusion trouble throughout the evening.

🤽 Premier Division: Neptunes Outlast Sliema 18–15 in Tactical Chess Match

The top-tier division delivered an equally explosive encounter as Neptunes BGM managed to hold off historic rivals Sliema Nexawin in an 18–15 thriller supervised by international referees Juame Texido and Ivan Rakovic.

Premier Division Score Progression:
Neptunes BGM:    [5]  [4]  [5]  [4]  =  18
Sliema Nexawin:  [4]  [4]  [4]  [3]  =  15

Key Match Highlights

• Camilleri & Nagaev Combined: Neptunes leaned on their star-studded attacking duo. Captain Stevie Camilleri led the red squad by example with six goals, while Ivan Nagaev executed flawlessly to blast home five goals.
• Di Fulvio Heroics in Vain: Sliema stayed within striking distance until the final horn entirely due to a world-class performance by international talisman Francesco Di Fulvio, who scored a magnificent seven goals.
• Consistent Pressure: Neptunes’ ability to win every single quarter by a narrow single-goal margin proved to be the ultimate difference, neutralizing Sliema’s late-game tactical timeouts.

BOV Play-Off Finals Opening Summary

With Game 1 in the bag, both Birżebbuġa and Neptunes enter the upcoming mid-week fixtures with a massive psychological advantage. Marsaxlokk and Sliema must now secure victories in Game 2 to avoid watching their rivals lift the championship trophies.