San Ġiljan triumph in thrilling decider after penalty drama

San Ġiljan clinched their eighth title in this competition and their fourth in a row after surviving a fierce, bad‑tempered battle against Sliema that ended 16–16 before being settled 9–8 on penalties.

The match was a physical war in the water, with both sides protesting refereeing decisions as tension inside the National Pool escalated. Sliema made the brighter start, racing to a 5–1 lead through Benji Cachia and Liam Galea, but San Ġiljan fought back repeatedly, refusing to let the game slip away.

The turning point came in the final session when Galea was dismissed for brutality after a clash with Matthew Zammit, allowing Ben Plumpton to convert a penalty and put San Ġiljan ahead. Sliema forced penalties through Benji Cachia, but San Ġiljan were flawless from the spot, with Plumpton, Jeremy Abela and others converting confidently.

Celebrations erupted as ASA President Karl Izzo and BOV’s Ernest Agius presented the trophy to captain Matthew Zammit.

#MaltaDaily