Waterpolo Knock-Out: Sirens comfortably through to the semi final

Sirens Ritter Sport     13     Valletta McDonald's     5    

(2-1, 5-2, 2-2, 4-0)

Sirens had it earier than expected against Valletta, to progress to the semi final stage, where they will meet Neptunes .  They exerecised their superiority from the second session onwards, and their task was then made easier when the Citizens lost two important cogs in their outfit, both shown the red card. late into the third session of play. These were the Russian, Dmitri Kholod, who was having a quiet match, and Michael Spiteri Staines.At that time Sirens were already leading 9-5, and then they  Sirens made dou ly sure of the result, when they added on four more goals, without any reply, in the last quarter.

Sirens are now without their mentor, the Italian, Marco Baldinetti, who is back in his native country, in preparation for his domestic league. His place, for the remainder of the season, has been taken by John Farrugia, who has already had spells in charge of the St. Paul's Bay outfit. Sirens had their second custodian, Joseph Cremona, back in the side, vice Matteo Muscat. Valletta recovered Aleandro Mifsud, who played instead of Daniel Spiteri.

Sirens had a total of eleven man ups in their favour, netting in five of them. Valletta were nine times with a man more in the water, converting four times. This was the third match bwteen these two teams this seasons, having met each other twice in the league campaign, with honours shared, Valletta winning in the first match, and Sirens turning the tables in the next encounter, both on a two goal victory.

Michael Spiteri Staines shot the Citizens ahead, in the opening session, but Sirens, failing to score in their first two man ups, then had Sergi Mora netting twice, to overturn the score. In tehenext period skipper, David Cutajar doubled Sirens' advantage, with the Valletta captain, Charlie Zammit, halving their deficit. Sirens pushed forward, and scored three times in succession, from a Mora penalty, John Napier and Gabriel Pace. Michael Rizzo reduced Valletta's adverse score, but Grech again netted for Sirens, for a good 7-3 advantage, at the interval.

After the break Luke Caruana and pace scored more Sirens' goals, but in between the Citizens had Daniel paolella striking twice in a short time. Then came the two red cards, which dealt Valletta a double blow, although they held out till the end of the session, with Sirens still 9-5 in front. The last period was played out in Sirens' favour, as they increased their tally with four more goals, from Grech, Cutajar, twice, and Grech once more, for a more comprehensive victory.

Sirens: N. Grixti , Z. Mizzi , S. Mora 3, G. Pace 2, M. Grech 3, I. Riolo ,  M. Balucci , D. Cutajar 3, J. Napier 1,  J. Sciberras , L. Caruana 1,N. Farrugia , J. Cremona

Valletta: R. Sciortino , J. Spiteri Staines , A. Agius , M. Rizzo 1, D. Spiteri ,R. Mock ,  D. Paolella2 , N. Bonello Ghio , M. Cordina , C. Zammit1 , D. Kholod , A. Zarb Cousin , M. Spiteri Staines 1

Referees: R. Spiteri, M. Bianchi

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