Sliema NexiaWin 19
San Ġiljan MAA Daikin 18

Sliema NexiaWin claimed one of the most dramatic victories of the BOV Summer League Premier Division yesterday, edging rivals San Ġiljan MAA Daikin 19-18 thanks to a late winner from Alberto Barroso.

In a pulsating encounter at the National Pool, the lead changed hands several times before Barroso struck with just 17 seconds remaining, handing Sliema two valuable points in a match that lived up to its billing.

The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides matching each other goal for goal. Sliema managed to edge in front by the end of the first session before maintaining their slender advantage throughout the second quarter to take a 9-8 lead into halftime.

The third period followed a similar pattern as San Ġiljan repeatedly drew level, only for Sliema to respond immediately. The Blues entered the final quarter with a narrow 15-13 advantage, setting up a thrilling finish.

San Ġiljan refused to give in and fought back strongly in the closing minutes. They erased the deficit and levelled the score at 18-18 with less than a minute remaining, seemingly rescuing a point.

However, Sliema had the final say. A well-worked attacking move ended with Alberto Barroso finding the back of the net with 17 seconds left, sparking celebrations among the Sliema players and supporters. San Ġiljan had one last possession but were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.

Barroso finished as Sliema’s leading scorer with six goals, while Jayden Cutajar added four and Benji Cachia contributed three.

For San Ġiljan, Jerko Marinic-Kragić produced another outstanding display with five goals, while Jake Muscat Melito and Nikolai Zammit each scored three.

The victory keeps Sliema firmly in the hunt near the top of the Premier Division standings, while San Ġiljan will rue letting the match slip away in the closing seconds after producing an impressive fightback.

Neptunes Best Gyms Malta 14-12 Sirens Build Fitness

Earlier yesterday, Neptunes Best Gyms Malta maintained their unbeaten start to the Premier Division campaign with a hard-fought 14-12 victory over Sirens Build Fitness.

Neptunes laid the foundations for victory with a dominant first half, opening a 9-4 advantage by the interval after racing into a 6-2 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Sirens mounted an impressive comeback after the break, winning both the third and fourth sessions to reduce the deficit, but Neptunes held their nerve in the closing stages to seal another valuable victory.

Stevie Camilleri and Ivan Nagaev led the Neptunes attack with four goals each, while Julian Valletta and Kristjan Culina added two apiece.

For Sirens, Daniel Angyal finished as the match’s top scorer with six goals, while Gabriel Pace, Gianni Farrugia, Isiah Riolo, Matthew Mifsud, Andrew Dimech, and Ranko Perović all found the net once.

Birżebbuġa 26-12 Otters Nivea

In the First Division, Birżebbuġa continued their perfect start to the season with a commanding 26-12 win over Otters Nivea.

Birżebbuġa dominated throughout, taking an 8-3 lead after the opening quarter before extending it to 15-6 by halftime. They remained firmly in control after the interval to record another comprehensive victory.

Marko Radulović led the scoring with seven goals, while captain Max Aquilina added six and Dwayne Farrugia scored four. Jake Ciantar contributed three goals, with Miguel Cassar, Jake Abdilla, Malcolm Manara, Andre Aquilina, Miguel Curmi, and Luca Axisa also getting on the scoresheet.

For Otters, Giorgio La Rosa scored four goals, while Julian Bugeja and Matthew Farrugia each netted three. Isaac Azzopardi and Adam Azzopardi added one goal apiece.